Mydriatic Effectiveness of Dilute Combinations of Phenylephrine and Tropicamide

The effects of two solutions, each consisting of a combination of tropicamide and phenylephrine at lower than conventional concentrations, were studied in 79 students at Pacific University College of Optometry. Clinically effective diameters (CED's), measured when the eye was illuminated for direct ophthalmoscopy, were followed for 90 min after mydriatic instillation. Intraocular pressure (IOP), systolic arterial blood pressure (sBP), and the systolic BP/IOP ratio were also monitored for 90 min. Both combination A (0.25% tropicamide + 1.25% phenylephrine) and combination B (0.125% tropicamide + 2.0% phenylephrine) produced CED's as large as produced by 0.5% tropicamide in the opposite eye. By combining a low concentration of a sympathomimetic with a parasympatholytic agent, it is possible to achieve mydriasis superior to that produced by 0.5% tropicamide or 2.5% phenylephrine while reducing the risk of systemic or ocular side effects.