Cycloplegic Medications in Eye Care

Cycloplegic medications play a vital role in optometric practice, serving multiple purposes including the diagnosis of refractive errors and the management of inflammatory conditions such as iritis and uveitis. By temporarily paralyzing the ciliary muscle, these agents prevent accommodation, allowing for more accurate measurements of refractive errors, particularly in children and individuals with suspected latent hyperopia. Additionally, cycloplegics provide symptomatic relief in inflammatory conditions by stabilizing the blood-aqueous barrier and reducing ciliary spasm, which can significantly alleviate ocular pain and photophobia.