Cyclotherapy in the treatment of symptomatic latent hyperopia

Many practitioners have long been frustrated with traditional treatments of symptomatic latent hyperopia (fogging techniques, bifocals, etc.). A technique employing short-acting cycloplegia has been developed which provides rapid relief of symptoms by promoting full correction of latent refractive error. Fifteen symptomatic subjects ages 3-40 were diagnosed as latent hyperopes with the aid of 1% cyclopentolate, and subsequently recyclopleged utilizing full correction in constant wear spectacles. Acuity was maintained via slow diminution of cycloplegia. Short-term and long-term follow-up, with continued use of spectacles or contact lenses, revealed rapid and complete resolution of symptoms and restoration of visual efficiency in each case. Cyclotherapy offers both practitioners and patients an efficient, rapid-acting, and satisfying alternative treatment for this vexing accommodative anomaly.