The College of Optometrists

This question is on behalf of a friend of mine:

how many drops, and at what interval, of 1.0% cyclo are recommended for cyclo refraction? does this vary with age?

0.5% is normally used for kids under 6 months or 1 year old - varies between hospitals/optoms/ophthalmologists. The lower concentration is used due to the increased systemic effects of cyclo in very small children.

1 drop of 1% is usually enough for full cycloplegia in caucasian kids of any age. In black or asian kids, or those with very dark eyes, 2 drops 10 minutes apart are often required. Sometimes this is not enough, and atropine may be considered.

We also use proxymetacaine in alot of cases, mainly as it stings much less than cyclo, but i think there is also some evidence that it increases absorption of the cyclo by the cornea, leading to a greater effect.

Entirely agree with Lisa, additionally some HES departments sometimes also use phenylephrine 2.5% with very dark irises to improve the mydriasis (it has no effect on the cycloplegia).

thanks guys, i have sent him yr replies by text, his exams start today.