Download Use 1 drop of __ % atropine in the Right eye

Honolulu Eye Clinic
ADULT & PEDIATRIC OPHTHALMOLOGY
Dilating Drops in Children
Dilating drops are being used today to perform a full eye exam on your child. The
drops consist of Cyclogyl, Phenylephrine and Mydriacyl.
Why are these drops necessary?
The dilating drops make the pupil large allowing us to examine the retina and optic nerve of each eye.
Without dilation, the pupil is very small and provides a smaller window for us to examine the back of
the eye. Only with dilation, can we complete a thorough eye examination for your child to make sure
there is no ocular pathology. Using dilating drops is also the only way to uncover the real prescription
for glasses that your child may require. It also will tell us if your child doesn’t need glasses even if
they are too young to read the eye chart.
What will my child see when the drops are in?
The dilating drops blur the near vision, but do not affect distance vision. Tasks such as coloring and
reading may prove frustrating for your child. If your child is returning to school that day, make sure
you tell the teacher that his/her eyes were dilated. We will be happy to provide you with a school note.
Do the drops hurt?
These drops may sting for about 15 seconds until the anesthetic drop takes effect.
What are the side-effects?
Rarely, a child can develop redness and swelling around the eye, or fever, or facial flushing. However,
if this occurs, it will happen in the office with the physicians present. These drops are used on
premature babies in the NICU to perform retinal exams every week, without side effects.
My child had his eye exam yesterday and his pupil is still dilated. Is something wrong?
No. A single drop of cyclogyl may dilate the pupil for up to 24 hours, though usually the drops only
last 4-6 hours. Lighter colored irises (blue, green eyes) are more prone to remain dilated for longer
than 4 hours. Although the pupil remains dilated even up to 24 hours, the blurring effect of the drop
only lasts 2-5 hours.
Should my child wear sunglasses, since the pupil is always dilated by the atropine?
Outdoors on a sunny day, your child will be more comfortable wearing sunglasses. If your child
already wears glasses, they can be coated with a clear ultraviolet filter, which will help. Be sure to ask
for the disposable sunglasses at the check-out desk.
If you have any other questions about dilating drops, please don't hesitate to give us a call.