Abstract:

Objective To compare the effects of cyclopentolate hydrochloride, compound tropicamide and atropine on cycloplegia in children. Methods Forty children (80 eyes) with refractive errors, aged from 6 to 12, were randomly divided into 2 groups. Children in group A were subjected to cycloplegic refraction by compound tropicamide, followed with cyclopentolate hydrochloride 2 weeks later. Children in group B were administered cyclopentolate hydrochloride, followed with atropine 2 weeks later. Subjective and objective refraction, pupil size, residual accommodation and systemic side effects were observed. Results After application of two agents in group A, there were significant differences in residual accommodation between two agents, while there was no significant difference in pupil size between two agents, with 82.5%, 85.0% and 85.0% in agreement with the degree of spherical lens, cylinder lens and axis of astigmatism respectively. In group B, there was no significant difference in pupil size and residual accommodation between two agents, with 90.0%, 92.5% and 92.5% in agreement with the degree of spherical lens, cylinder lens and axis of astigmatism respectively. Conclusion Cyclopentolate hydrochloride is a safe and effective cycloplegic, which can be widely used in cycloplegic refraction for children.

Key words: cyclopentolate hydrochloride, compound tropicamide, atropine, cycloplegia