The College of Optometrists

Can someone help me with the following two drugs and IT questions respectiveley

1) Why and when should we use 0.5% cyclopentolate instead of 1%?

2) How does the reichert NCT work in terms of the alignment of the nozzle and 'firing off' of the instrument?

Much appreciated

Cant be of any help on 2, but was asked about 1 in exams. I went with when want to avoid using too much drug un-necessarily, otherwise would always use 1% to make sure got good result and didnt have to repeat application. Eg. small child with pale eyes, wouldnt neccesarily need 1%, and sml body weigh so increased risk with systemic absorption. But.. would want full cycloplegia, so would that be arguement for using 1%?

If older child and dont need complete fully cycloplegia, could use 0.5% - less cycloplegia wears off quicker etc.

with the nct - you line up a bright dot reflected of the cornea with another bright dot within a little circle and then press the button - it is quite easy.

Q1 Shouldn't use 1% cyclopentalate on children under 6 months, due to potential risk of systemic poisoning. Otherwise I'd always use 1% for cycloplegia.