Assessing and predicting adverse events from pupil dilators used in department of ophthalmology in atertiary care hospital

Background: For the overwhelming majority of diseases, medication management will enhance health-related quality of life. Inappropriate pharmaceutical usage, however, can be harmful and lead to problems with medication. A situation or incident that interferes with intended health results, either directly or indirectly, is referred to as a pupil-related problem. When using pupil dilators for eye exams, such unfavourable outcomes are frequently observed. Every medication has side effects, and this pupil dilation medication also exhibits some of the most prevalent ones, such burning in the eye. Eye discomfort, eye irritation, elevated intraocular pressure, and impaired vision. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 209 patients at the Department of Ophthalmology, AIMS, B.G. Nagara, between January and June 2024. Data were collected daily using a structured form, and ADRs were assessed using the Naranjo and WHO causality assessment scales after obtaining ethical clearance. Results: Among the 209 participants (104 males and 105 females), 196 (93.8%) experienced ADRs. A total of 556 ADRs were identified, of which 444 were short-term and 112 long-term. Short-term ADRs included 344 ocular, 98 systemic, and 2 mixed cases, while long-term ADRs comprised 83 ocular, 17 systemic, and 1 mixed case. The most common short-term ADRs were blurred vision, photosensitivity, headache, eye dryness, and burning sensation. ADRs were found to be more prevalent in patients with comorbidities and in adolescents. Conclusion: The study concludes that pupil dilators carry a high risk of ADRs, particularly in vulnerable groups. Careful monitoring and preventive strategies are essential to minimize these effects during ophthalmic procedures.