Side Effects after the Use of Cyclopentolate for Cycloplegic Refraction

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of side effects due to the use of cyclopentolate for cycloplegic refraction. METHODS: For 4 months, temperature change and adverse effects in 157 children who visited the pediatric ophthalmology clinic of a university hospital for cycloplegic refraction using cyclopentolate were observed. Topical 1% cyclopentolate was instilled 5 times at 5 minute intervals and temperature measured before and after administration using a tympanic thermometer. Side effects such as facial flushing, skin rash, and central nervous system disorders were recorded while cycloplegic refraction was performed. RESULTS: The mean temperature was increased 36.67 +/- 0.10degrees C to 36.90 +/- 0.09degrees C, but no fever exceeded 38degrees C. Seventeen (10.83%) patients experienced side effects including facial flushes (n = 6), temperature change (n = 5), abnormal central nervous system symptoms (n = 4), and a visible skin rash (n = 2). No patient experienced more than 1 side effect and long term adverse effects were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of side effects due to cyclopentolate instillation for cycloplegic refraction was 10.83% in children. Although side effects due to cyclopentolate disappeared without any treatment, cafeful monitoring for their occurrence is necessary.