mydriatics
Last reviewed 01/2018
Mydriatics are drugs that dilate the pupil, employed chiefly to dilate the pupil for fundus examination and refraction or to break down synechiae in anterior uveitis.
There are many short acting mydriatics available, for example homatropine, cyclopentolate.
It is important not to use long acting mydriatic such as atropine for simple examination of the eye. The mydriatic and cycloplegic action of atropine may last for over one week.
All atropine-like drugs paralyse accommodation - produce cycloplegia - to some degree in addition to their mydriatic action. After instilling a mydriatic, and particularly one with a cycloplegic action, always warn the patient to expect some blurring of the vision.
Mydriatics may precipitate acute glaucoma in the over-60s with shallow anterior chambers (particularly if there is a strong family history of glaucoma).