Cyclopentolate
Cyclopentolate eye drops cause temporary mydriasis and cycloplegia so the inside of the eye and focusing power can be assessed.
Key points
- Blurred near vision and light sensitivity can persist after the examination, affecting driving and reading.
- Narrow drainage angles, glaucoma risk and sensitivity to anticholinergic medicines require review.
- Severe eye pain with headache or vomiting, marked confusion or breathing difficulty needs urgent care.
Listings are for comparison only. Suitability and supply depend on clinician and pharmacy checks, stock, destination rules and prescription requirements.
How it works
Cyclopentolate blocks muscarinic receptors in the iris and focusing muscle, widening the pupil and temporarily preventing accommodation.
Important safety checks
The examiner should know about glaucoma risk, neurological vulnerability, pregnancy and other anticholinergic medicines. Avoid touching the dropper tip and follow advice about punctal pressure to reduce systemic absorption. Protect dilated eyes from bright light.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent eye care for severe eye pain, a red eye with headache, halos, nausea or vomiting, or sudden vision loss. Seek emergency help for severe agitation or confusion, very fast heartbeat, high fever, seizure, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.
