Cycloplegic refraction is a refraction test performed after instilling drops that temporarily paralyse the eye’s focusing muscles and dilate the pupil. It reveals the full underlying refractive error by eliminating accommodation.
Procedure
Cycloplegic drops are placed in each eye and allowed time to take effect, after which retinoscopy and subjective refraction are performed. Near tasks remain blurred until the medication wears off.
- Commonly used in children and young adults with strong accommodation
- Helps detect latent hyperopia that may otherwise be hidden
- Pupillary dilation and light sensitivity can last several hours
- Choice of drop depends on age and clinical context
Clinical Indications
This method is particularly important in assessing strabismus, amblyopia risk, and unexplained asthenopia. It ensures that prescriptions for young patients are based on accurate baseline measurements.
- Guides decisions about full versus partial hyperopic correction
- Helpful when previous refractions have been inconsistent
- Used before some refractive or accommodative treatments
- Parents or patients should be counselled about temporary visual effects
