Use of Cyclopentolate Eye Drops

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Your child will need to have these drops administered prior to your next visit at the hospital. The drops are necessary for the accurate testing of your child’s eyes.

The drops will enlarge the pupil (black central part of the eye) and blurs the vision, which may last up to 24 – 48 hours. The drops need to be instilled 1 hour prior to your hospital appointment.
If your child has dark eyes, you will have been asked to instil a second drop into both eyes after 5 minutes.

How to use the drops:
1. Wash your hands
2. Remove the cap of the dropper container
3. Gently draw down the lower lid and ask your child to look upwards
4. Squeeze from the dropper, one drop into the lower lid
5. Gently release the eyelid to allow your child to blink a few times.
6. Repeat the procedure for the second eye.
7. Make sure your child does not rub their eyes.

Bring back any eye drops, used or unused, for disposal at the hospital.

Possible side effects and precautions
• Drops may sting or burn when first applied
• Pupils will remain dilated for up to 24 – 48 hours (in blue eyed children this can sometimes be a bit longer).
• Difficulty with reading (due to a reduced ability to focus) for up to 24 – 48 hours.
• To avoid bright light as this may cause discomfort (wearing sunglasses or a hat can help)
• Face may appear a bit red and flushed – this is only temporary.
• Allergic reactions may include red watery eyes with possible discharge.
• Children should be observed for 45 minutes after instillation for signs of adverse reactions.