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Cycloplegic refractions in Japanese children: a comparison of atropine and cyclopentolate
1Department of Ophthalmology, Shimane Medical University, Japan.
Insights
Atropine eye drops may be sufficient for accurate refractive error measurements in Japanese children, offering a potentially more effective method than cyclopentolate for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
Background:
- Accurate refractive error assessment is crucial for pediatric eye care.
- Cycloplegic agents are commonly used to relax accommodation for precise refraction.
- Different cycloplegics may yield varying results in specific populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of atropine and cyclopentolate in determining refractive errors in Japanese children.
- To evaluate the suitability of atropine for routine refractive examinations in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 51 Japanese children (102 eyes).
- Topical instillation of cyclopentolate 1% (3 times) and atropine 0.5% or 1% (twice daily for 7 days).
- Refractive measurements obtained using an autorefractometer post-instillation.
Main Results:
- Mean refraction after atropine was +3.07 dpt; after cyclopentolate, it was +2.35 dpt.
- A mean difference of 22 degrees was observed in the meridians of maximal refractions between the two agents.
- Atropine instillation showed potential for accurate refractive assessment in Japanese children.
Conclusions:
- Atropine instillation appears adequate for determining exact refractions in Japanese children.
- Findings suggest atropine may be a preferred cycloplegic agent for refractive error assessment in this population.
- Further research could explore long-term effects and optimal dosing regimens.
Abstract:
We examined refractions of 102 eyes in 51 Japanese children after the topical instillation of cycloplegics. Cyclopentolate 1% was instilled 3 times after 5-min intervals, and refractions were evaluated 45 min after the last instillation. Atropine, 0.5% or 1%, was instilled twice daily for 7 days. Refractions were measured by an autorefractometer. The mean refraction in 102 eyes measured after atropine instillation was +3.07 dpt, and the mean after cyclopentolate instillation was +2.35 dpt. The mean difference in the direction of meridians of maximal refractions measured after atropine and cyclopentolate was 22 degrees. Our finding showed that atropine instillation may be adequate to determine exact refractions in Japanese children.