11.5 Mydriatics and cycloplegics

General Guidance
 

• Antimuscarinics vary in potency and duration of action.
• Darkly pigmented iris is more resistance to pupillary dilation and caution should be exercised to avoid over dosage.
• Mydriasis may precipitate acute angle-closure glaucoma. Those at special risk are usually aged over 60 years and hypermetropic (long-sighted)
• Patients should be warned not to drive for 1-2 hours after mydriasis.
• Cyclopentolate 0.5% or 1% is useful for refraction in children.

​Recommended drugs

Atropine eye drops

Tropicamide (for eye examinations) 

Drug Traffic Light Key:

Green – On Formulary

Amber – Restricted use, see local guidelines      

Purple – Specialist use/initiation

Red – Non Formulary

Relative Costs Key (where indicated):

£££££ - high

£££ - moderate

£ - low