When the ciliary body is paralyzed, the eye cannot focus on near or intermediate objects at all.
As a result, the true refractive error can be measured.
Some children and adults compensate for certain vision problems by focusing more than normal.
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On occasion blurring can take up to one week to resolve depending on the medication and strength used.
Cycloplegic refraction is an important test for people considering LASIK.
Surgeons need to know exactly how much of a vision problem to reduce or eliminate.
Cycloplegic refraction will give the doctor a more solid endpoint so that a better surgical plan can be created.
This is done to get to view the overall health of the eye.
Cycloplegic eye drops are also used to help manage pain as a treatment for certain diseases or conditions.
When there is inflammation in the eye, the ciliary body may spasm,causing pain.
Cycloplegic drops are also helpful to manage post-operative inflammation.
There are some potential side effects to using cycloplegic eye drops.
Your vision may stay blurry for several hours if the doctor instills them during an eye exam.
Because a cycloplegic eye drop also dilates your pupil, you will be light sensitive.
Some patients have tearing and redness after using cycloplegic eye drops.
Short-acting cycloplegic eye drops provide a much faster recovery.
Longer-acting cycloplegic eye drops, such as atropine, may cause more symptoms.
These side effects are very rare.
Special precautions are taken when using cycloplegic eye drops in very small children.
2018;256(11):2211-2217. doi:10.1007/s00417-018-4112-8
