Cycloplegic and mydriatic agents for routine ophthalmologic examination: a survey of pediatric ophthalmologists.
BACKGROUND
We have used a mixture of tropicamide 1% and cyclopentolate 2% for routine cycloplegia in children. Because our hospital pharmacy expressed reluctance to prepare this mixture, we were interested in the current standard of care among pediatric ophthalmologists.


METHODS
A survey was mailed to all members and associate members of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Responses were tabulated from 522 respondents (62%).


RESULTS
Mixtures were used by 22% of respondents for neonates and by 40% for older children. The most popular mixtures were cyclopentolate and phenylephrine for neonates and cyclopentolate, phenylephrine, and tropicamide for older children.


CONCLUSIONS
Although a commercially available mixture (Cyclomydril; Alcon, Ft. Worth, TX) has found wide acceptance for treatment of neonates, ophthalmologists seeking stronger concentrations for older children must rely on alternate sources. There would appear to be a market for such a product.
Patel
Anup J
AJ
Albany Medical College/Lions Eye Institute, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
Simon
John W
JW
Hodgetts
David J
DJ
D002675:Child, Preschool; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000187:drug effects*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009184:Mydriatics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards*; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects*
D004338:Drug Combinations; D009184:Mydriatics; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions