Our eye care practice proudly serves the people of
Taos and northern New Mexico.

News & Promotions

March 27, 2024
Real Eyes Taos
We are frequently asked if it’s wise to have cataract surgery if you have Macular Degeneration. Let’s start with some background. Cataracts and Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) are both leading causes of visual impairment in the......

Video Education Library

bcm_videoplayer_banner

Getting your eyes dilated can be inconvenient – dilation makes the eyes light sensitive which can make it difficult to read books or use phones and computers for a couple of hours.

So wouldn’t it be great to have another drop to reverse the effects of dilation?

On Dec. 31, 1990, dapiprazole, under the trade name Rev-Eyes, was approved by the FDA and thought to be the answer to all the post-dilation problems. It was marketed for treatment of medically-induced dilation by stimulating pupillary constriction and restoration of accommodative function for reading.

In clinical practice, dapiprazole took between one to two hours to return pupils to pre-dilation size.

Side effects such as stinging upon instillation, conjunctival hyperemia (redness of eye), headache, and a few instances of ptosis (lid drooping), with a possible additional dollar cost to patients, seemed to lessen dapiprazole’s overall clinical benefit.

Reading ability returned in approximately 43 minutes with dapiprazole vs 66 minutes without the drop (Optom Vis Sci 1994 May; 71(5):319-22). The main complaint that people had after using dapiprazole was the conjunctival hyperemia, which lasted more than three hours. The other issue was that dapiprazole was costly, so some practitioners included an additional charge for the reversal of dilation to offset the cost.

The full adverse reaction profile according to Drugs.com is as follows:

"Adverse Reactions: In controlled studies, the most frequent reaction to dapiprazole was conjunctival injection lasting 20 minutes in over 80% of patients. Burning on instillation of dapiprazole hydrochloride ophthalmic solution was reported in approximately half of all patients. Reactions occurring in 10% to 40% of patients included ptosis, lid erythema, lid edema, chemosis, itching, punctate keratitis, corneal edema, browache, photophobia and headaches. Other reactions reported less frequently included dryness of eyes, tearing and blurring of vision."

Currently, Rev-Eyes is off the market. The FDA has stated that Rev-Eyes was not withdrawn from the market for reasons of safety or effectiveness.

At this time, there is nothing available for reversal of dilation. People who get dilated will still need to wear their sunglasses and to put off reading for a couple of hours until the effects of the dilation drops wear off.

 

Article contributed by Dr. Jane Pan

This blog provides general information and discussion about eye health and related subjects. The words and other content provided on this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately licensed physician. The content of this blog cannot be reproduced or duplicated without the express written consent of Eye IQ.

Come Visit Us

office exterior

1021 B Salazar Road, Suite 100
Taos, NM 87571
Phone: (575) 758-3215
Get Directions

Office Hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday - Friday: 8:30 - Noon & 1:00 - 5:00
Saturday: 8:30 - 2:00
Sunday: Closed
Doctors Hours
Tuesday - Friday: 9:00 - 4:00
Saturday: 9:00 - 1:00
  • image1

    Modern, Yet Cozy Shopping Experience

    Coming to our office is a relaxing experience for your entire family. We're looking forward to seeing you!
  • image2

    Your Time Is Important

    You're busy, so we try our best to make sure all aspects of your visit with us are as streamlined as possible.
  • image3

    Wide Product Selection

    We carry hundreds of stylish frames, from John Varvatos to Converse, for your entire family.
  • image4

    Family Friendly Atmosphere

    Healthy vision for your entire family, from infants to grandparents, is our highest priority.