A comprehensive eye exam generally takes about a half hour to complete. Your child’s eyes may be dilated for the initial evaluation and periodically thereafter as clinically indicated. Dilation allows for a detailed view of the retina and optic nerves by enlarging the pupils. Dilation for pediatric eye exam intentionally causes blurred near vision by decreasing the eyes’ ability to focus and allows the doctor to determine your child’s most accurate glasses prescription. The dilation effect of the drops usually last for 12-24 hours, but the blurred near vision will typically resolve in 4-6 hours. Your child may return to school, but you may want to alert the teacher regarding the dilated exam.