Which pharmacologic agent is used to produce temporary paralysis of accommodation and dilation of the pupil?

Which pharmacologic agent is used to produce temporary paralysis of accommodation and dilation of the pupil?

• A. Mydriatic drops
• B. Anesthetic drops
• C. Antibiotic drops
• D. Steroid drops

Answer: (A)

The effect tested is cycloplegic mydriasis—weakening the eye’s ability to focus (paralysis of accommodation) together with pupil dilation. This happens when a muscarinic antagonist is used in the eye, blocking the parasympathetic stimulation of the ciliary muscle and the iris sphincter. Mydriatic drops are designed to dilate the pupil, and when they have cycloplegic action, they also prevent accommodation, giving temporary paralysis of near vision. The other drops serve different purposes (numbing, treating infection, or reducing inflammation) and do not produce both pupil dilation and accommodation paralysis. So, the best choice is mydriatic drops.

The effect tested is cycloplegic mydriasis—weakening the eye’s ability to focus (paralysis of accommodation) together with pupil dilation. This happens when a muscarinic antagonist is used in the eye, blocking the parasympathetic stimulation of the ciliary muscle and the iris sphincter. Mydriatic drops are designed to dilate the pupil, and when they have cycloplegic action, they also prevent accommodation, giving temporary paralysis of near vision. The other drops serve different purposes (numbing, treating infection, or reducing inflammation) and do not produce both pupil dilation and accommodation paralysis. So, the best choice is mydriatic drops.