“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Mydriasis and cycloplegia are commonly used for refraction during eye exams. Mydriasis is the dilation of the pupil, while cycloplegia is the paralysis of the ciliary muscle, which controls the shape of the lens in the eye.
By inducing mydriasis and cycloplegia, the eye is relaxed and the pupil is enlarged, allowing for a better view of the internal structures of the eye. This enables an eye doctor to perform a more accurate refraction, or measurement of the eye's ability to focus light, which is used to determine the appropriate prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
Mydriasis and cycloplegia are typically induced using topical medications, such as atropine or tropicamide. These medications can cause temporary side effects such as blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty focusing on close objects.
It is important to follow your eye doctor's instructions and report any side effects you experience during or after the exam. Additionally, it is important to note that mydriasis and cycloplegia may not be necessary for all patients or for all types of eye exams, and your eye doctor will determine the appropriate course of action based on your individual needs.