Comparison ofcyclopentolate versus atropine cycloplegia in Chinese children

Objective To compare the cycloplegic effects of 1% cyclopentolate and 1% atropine in Chinese children. Methods Examined refraction of 452 eyes in 256 Chinese children. 1% Cyclopentolate was instilled 3 times after 5-min intervals and refraction was evaluated 40 min after the last instillation. After 48 hours, 1% atropine was instilled third time daily for 3 days. Refractions were measured by the same optometrist.Results The power of astigmatism was not affected by either agent. Among the hyperopic eyes, 27.8% had more than 0.5DS difference after instillation of the two agents. More hyperopic sphere in atropine than cyclopentolate, and the difference was significant. Just 1.8% had more than 0.5 DS difference in the older than 8-year age of myopic children. There was 32% more than 0.5 DS difference in mixed astigmatism. Conclusions Though cyclopentolate is not as effective as atropine in all Chinese children. Nevertheless, 1% cyclopentolate can be a good agent for routine refractive status checking on myopic Chinese children over the age of 8 years. Key words: Children;  Refracion;  Retinoscopy;  Cyclopentolate;  Atropine