Cycloplegic and Mydriatic Drugs

Introduction

• Cycloplegic and mydriatic drugs are used for eyes.
• These drugs affect the ciliary muscles.

Main Function

• Cycloplegic Drugs:

  • Paralyze ciliary muscles.
  • Cause loss of accommodation vision.
  • Often also dilate the pupil.

• Mydriatic Drugs:

  • Dilate the pupil.

Common Drugs

• Atropine sulfate
• Homatropine sulfate
• Tropicamide
• Scopolamine
• Cyclopentolate

Utility

• Helps in fundus examination.
• Determine the degree of emmetropia in children.
• Treatment of spasm of accommodation.
• Treatment of amblyopia.
• Pupil dilation in iridocyclitis.
• During intraocular surgery.

Side Effects

• Blurring of images.
• Photophobia.
• Risk of glaucoma due to narrow-angle block.

Economic Aspects

• Need for the patient to visit the clinic again.

Examples of Drugs and Time of Effect

• Atropine sulfate: 0.25-1% - Effects in 30-40 minutes, lasts for 14 days.
• Homatropine: 1-2% - Effects in 10-30 minutes, lasts for 6 hours - 4 days.
• Tropicamide: 0.5% - Effects in 20-30 minutes, lasts for 4-6 hours.
• Scopolamine: 0.25-0.5% - Effects in 15-30 minutes, lasts for 5-7 days.
• Cyclopentolate: 0.25-0.5% - Effects in 20-30 minutes, lasts for 7 days.

Conclusion

• Cycloplegic and mydriatic drugs are useful in various eye conditions.
• They are especially used in eye surgeries and examinations.