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Cycloplegia is a medical condition that occurs when the muscles in the eye that control the pupil size and focusing ability are temporarily paralyzed or inactivated. This condition can be induced by drugs, such as atropine, scopolamine, or homatropine, or by certain medical procedures, such as eye exams or surgeries.
The main effect of cycloplegia is to temporarily prevent the eye from focusing on near objects, making it difficult to read or perform other close-up tasks. The dilation of the pupil also makes the eye more sensitive to light. These effects can last for several hours or even days, depending on the type and dose of drug used, as well as individual factors such as age and overall health.
Cycloplegia is commonly used in ophthalmology to perform eye exams, particularly in children or patients who have difficulty cooperating during the exam. It can also be used to treat certain eye conditions, such as accommodative esotropia, which is a type of strabismus (eye misalignment) that occurs when the eyes over-converge while attempting to focus on near objects.
However, cycloplegia can have side effects, such as blurred vision, dry mouth, and increased heart rate. It can also cause difficulty in accommodation (focusing) after the effects wear off, especially in older adults. Therefore, it should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare provider and with caution in certain populations, such as pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions.