Why Do Cycloplegic Refraction?

Cycloplegic refraction is a procedure used to determine a person's complete refractive error by temporarily relaxing the muscles that aid in focusing the eye. Cycloplegic eye drops are used to temporarily relax the ciliary body, or focusing muscle, of the eyes.

When should a Cycloplegic refraction be performed?

When to use cycloplegic drugs

Accurate refraction requires fixation to be on a distance target, eg 6m or beyond, such that the accommodation is relaxed. When accommodation occurs either during objective (retinoscopy) or subjective refraction, this will result in an over myopic or under hypermetropic result.

Who needs Cycloplegic refraction?

Children with >3.50ds of hypermetropia have a 13 times greater risk of developing strabismus or amblyopia. Esotropia. New onset of/ previously well-controlled accommodative esotrope is an indication for cycloplegic refraction. This allows us to determine whether the eye turn has an accommodative component.