Mydriasis / cycloplegia
- Antimuscarinic eye drops dilate pupil + paralyze accommodation
- Tropicamide is common for routine examination
- Cyclopentolate/atropine provide stronger cycloplegia
- Phenylephrine adds dilation without cycloplegia
- Can precipitate angle closure in susceptible eyes
- Systemic antimuscarinic effects are possible, especially in children
Use at a glance
- Antimuscarinic eye drops dilate pupil + paralyze accommodation
Practical pearls
- Tropicamide is common for routine examination
- Cyclopentolate/atropine provide stronger cycloplegia
Other practical pearls
- Phenylephrine adds dilation without cycloplegia
Clinical pearls
- Can precipitate angle closure in susceptible eyes
- Systemic antimuscarinic effects are possible, especially in children
Self-check
- What do antimuscarinic eye drops do to accommodation?
Paralyze it. - Which agent adds pupil dilation without cycloplegia?
Phenylephrine.
Drugs used for this (4)
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