How long do dilating eye drops last?

Dilating eye drops usually last from 4 to 24 hours, as stated by AAPOS. This medication is used in enlarging the pupil of the eye during diagnosis and treatment of a condition.

Dilating drops help relax the focusing muscles of the eye, which is necessary for determining the accurate measurement of refractive error. Children usually need stronger drops than adults to make it easier for the doctor to determine the refractive error. The drops are also used in treating some diseases, such as inflammation and amblyopia, as stated by AAPOS. Common side effects of this medication are blurry vision and light sensitivity.