Mydriasis and glaucoma: exploding the myth. A systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the risk of inducing acute glaucoma following mydriasis.


METHODS
Systematic review of published research 1933-1999.


RESULTS
The risk of inducing acute glaucoma following mydriasis with tropicamide alone is close to zero, no case being identified. The risk with long-acting or combined agents is between 1 in 3,380 and 1 in 20,000. The presence of chronic glaucoma constitutes no additional risk.


CONCLUSIONS
Mydriasis with tropicamide alone is safe even in people with chronic glaucoma. It should be advised in all patients when thorough retinal examination is indicated.
Pandit
R J
RJ
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Taylor
R
R
D005901:Glaucoma / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D015878:Mydriasis / Q000150:complications*; D009184:Mydriatics / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012449:Safety; D014331:Tropicamide / Q000009:adverse effects*
D009184:Mydriatics; D014331:Tropicamide