Comparative Analysis of the Efficacy of 1% Tropicamide and 1% Cyclopentolate Eye Drops for Cycloplegic Refraction in...

Cycloplegic agents are essential for paediatric refraction examinations due to strong accommodative power in children. Accurate cycloplegia is crucial to avoid misdiagnosis of refractive errors such as latent hyperopia or pseudomyopia. Prior studies indicate that dark irises may require higher doses and exhibit a prolonged onset compared to lighter irises. Given that most Indonesians have brown irises, a comparative study of cycloplegic agents is necessary to optimise clinical application.

This randomised, double-blind, controlled non-inferiority trial compared the residual accommodation amplitude (AA) following two drops of 1% Tropicamide (TRP1%) or 1% Cyclopentolate (CYC1%), administered 5 min apart. Each participant underwent both regimens in separate sessions one week apart. AA was measured using the NIDEK ARK-1s autorefractor, and side effects were assessed through interviews.

Seventy children (median age: 11 [9-12] years) participated. Both eyes were analysed separately. The eyes analysed were mostly myopic (70%) and emmetropic (26.43%). AA analysis showed no significant differences between TRP1% and CYC1% at 20, 30, and 40 min post-administration (p > 0.05), with maximum cycloplegic effect achieved before 20 min. Side effects were significantly higher with CYC1% than TRP1% (53.33% vs. 23.33%, p < 0.001).

Tropicamide 1% is non-inferior to cyclopentolate 1% for cycloplegia in Indonesian children with brown irises. Given its comparable efficacy and lower incidence of side effects, Tropicamide 1% may serve as a safer alternative for paediatric cycloplegic refraction. Further studies with larger samples are warranted to refine dosing strategies and enhance clinical outcomes.