A randomized comparison study of drop versus spray topical cycloplegic application.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the acceptance of ocular spray administration.


METHODS
A randomized, single-masked comparison in a cohort of children from 3 to 13 years. Assessment of patient pain was recorded on a visual analog scale. Cycloplegia was assessed by an ophthalmologist masked to the assignment. A questionnaire was used to assess patient acceptance. 126 patients participated. The average age was 7.7 years for spray, 7.1 for drops.


RESULTS
Pain (higher number = more painful): means: 41/100 for spray; 35/100 for drops (P=0.28). No difference in cycloplegia noted (i.e., satisfactory in all subjects). Subjective acceptance: high in both patient groups, but a preference for spray was noted (P=0.06). No untoward drug reactions occurred with either method.


CONCLUSIONS
Cycloplegic spray was as acceptable, or more acceptable than drops. Cycloplegia was comparable for the two methods. Spray application of cycloplegic drugs is a satisfactory route of topical administration for children.
Goodman
C R
CR
Zanvyl Krieger Children's Eye Center of The Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland 21287-9028, USA.
Hunter
D G
DG
Repka
M X
MX
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000187:drug effects*; D003519:Cyclopentolate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D006801:Humans; D009184:Mydriatics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011430:Propoxycaine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014331:Tropicamide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014787:Vision Tests / Q000379:methods*
D000336:Aerosols; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009184:Mydriatics; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; C005717:proxymetacaine; D011430:Propoxycaine; D003519:Cyclopentolate; D014331:Tropicamide