title: A prospective comparison between cyclopentolate spray and drops in pediatric outpatients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine whether children tolerate cyclopentolate 1% spray better than drops and to assess the adequacy of cycloplegia achieved by spray for objective refraction.
  
  
  METHODS
  The effects of cyclopentolate 1% drops and spray on distress levels were assessed prospectively using a guardian questionnaire in consecutive patients 10 years of age or younger. Distress was graded at various points during the appointment using a Likert scale of 1 to 10 (1 = no distress, 10 = severe distress). The adequacy of cycloplegia in children receiving cyclopentolate spray and the waiting times were assessed via a Likert questionnaire completed by the examining physician.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The guardians of 72 and 77 children who received cyclopentolate 1% drops or spray, respectively, completed the questionnaire. The children were divided in three age groups: 1 to 4 years, 5 to 7 years, and 8 to 10 years. Children 7 years or younger were significantly less distressed by administration of cyclopentolate 1% spray (P < .005). There was no statistical difference in distress levels in children older than 7 years (P = .9719). Thirteen of the 77 children who received cyclopentolate 1% spray did not have adequate cycloplegia to allow objective refraction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results demonstrate cyclopentolate 1% spray is less distressing at the time of administration than cyclopentolate 1% drops for children 7 years or younger. However, the cycloplegia achieved is not adequate in a high percentage of children.
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Syrimi
authors.forename: Sophie M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Graham M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003519:Cyclopentolate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009184:Mydriatics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D010045:Outpatients; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011680:Pupil / Q000187:drug effects*; D012029:Refraction, Ocular; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014787:Vision Tests
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols; D009184:Mydriatics; D009883:Ophthalmic Solutions; D003519:Cyclopentolate