If scopolamine comes into contact with your eyes, it can cause temporary blurry vision and dilation (widening) of your pupils.
Effects of Ocular Scopolamine Exposure
When scopolamine, a medication often used in transdermal patches to prevent nausea and vomiting, accidentally gets into the eyes, it can produce distinct visual disturbances. These effects are typically short-lived but can be noticeable and potentially disorienting.
Key Symptoms
The primary effects you might experience include:
- Blurry Vision: Your vision may become unfocused, hazy, or generally unclear. This temporary impairment can make it difficult to see clearly and perform tasks requiring sharp vision.
- Pupil Dilation (Mydriasis): The dark circles in the center of your eyes, known as pupils, may widen significantly. This makes your eyes appear larger and can increase sensitivity to light (photophobia) because more light is entering the eye than usual.
Duration of Effects
The visual effects, including blurry vision and pupil dilation, are generally short-term. The duration can vary depending on the amount of scopolamine that entered the eye, but the symptoms typically subside once the drug is naturally cleared from the eye and surrounding tissues.
What to Do If Scopolamine Gets in Your Eye
If you accidentally get scopolamine in your eye, follow these immediate steps:
- Rinse Immediately: Gently and thoroughly flush your eye with plenty of cool, clean water for several minutes. This helps to wash out as much of the medication as possible from the eye's surface.
- Remove Contact Lenses: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes.
- Avoid Rubbing: Do not rub your eye, as this can worsen irritation or spread the medication.
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how your eye feels and how your vision is affected.
- Seek Medical Advice: If blurry vision, pupil dilation, irritation, or any other discomfort persists or worsens after rinsing, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance or treatment if necessary.
