Changes in intraocular pressure due to cycloplegia.
PURPOSE: We studied intraocular pressure (IOP) in a group of healthy myopic subjects before and after administration of chlorhydrate cyclopentolate 1%. METHODS: We measured the IOP before administration and at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 300 minutes and 24 hours after administration. RESULTS: The rise in IOP at 15 and 300 minutes was not significant (P > 0.05), while the rise at 30, 45, and 60 minutes was significant (P < 0.05). The increase reached its maximum at 45 minutes. At 300 minutes, the increase was almost completely overcome and was not significant. At 24 hours, the pressure had returned to initial values. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclopentolate represents a valuable aid in performing retinoscopy in healthy subjects who have an anterior chamber with adequate depth and an open angle.