How long can your eyes stay dilated after an eye exam?

Dilating eye drops used during an eye exam can last anywhere from four to 24 hours, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. People with light-colored eyes are more likely than people with dark-colored eyes to have longer dilation periods following the administration of dilating eye drops.

In rare cases, a child's eyes may stay dilated for longer than 24 hours after being given the drops, according to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. An eye doctor uses dilating eye drops to enlarge the pupil, allowing him to see inside the eye better to diagnose and treat disease.