Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride 1% Drops for Home Dilation

Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride 1% Drops for Home Dilation

Patient Information

Orthoptic Services

• Author ID: KW
• Leaflet ref: Orth 012
• Version: 8
• Leaflet title: Cyclopentolate Hydrochloride 1% Drops for Home Dilation
• Last review: September 2022
• Expiry date: September 2024

Introduction

Cyclopentolate eye drops are used to temporarily relax the focusing of your child’s eyes. This allows the Doctor/Optometrist to examine the health of the back of the eye and perform an accurate refraction (glasses test).

Instilling the Eye Drops

1. You will be given a sachet containing one small phial of eye drops. Please check the name, the strength of the drops and the expiry date. This is to ensure that these are the correct drops and within the expiry time.
2. These drops should be instilled at home 30-40 minutes before the time of the eye clinic appointment. One drop or two should be placed in each eye.
3. The child should be lying down facing towards the ceiling or sat in a comfortable place looking up at the ceiling.
4. One drop should be instilled into each eye by pulling down the lower lid and squeezing the drop into the lower lid. It is normal for the drops to sting for a few seconds when initially instilled. You may wish to tell your child that the drops may feel “cold”.
5. The drops may take up to 30 to 40 minutes to fully work. In some cases of dark eyes this can be longer.
6. It is quite safe to repeat the instillation, if you are not sure that the drop went in.
7. Try not to let the dropper touch the surface of the eye; this could injure the cornea (clear part at the front of the eye).

The Effects of the Drops

1. The drops cause the pupils (black part of the eye) to enlarge, this may make your child sensitive to light. (Sunglasses or a hat may be needed in bright weather).
2. Near objects and some distant objects can appear blurred.
3. These effects may last for up to 24 hours and are always temporary producing no permanent side effect.

It is important to tell the Orthoptist, if your child has had a reaction to Cyclopentolate drops in the past.

Storage and Disposal

1. Keep the drops out of reach of children, in the same way as any other medication.
2. Store them in a cool dark secure place and only use for the child undergoing eye examination.
3. Any unused drops should be disposed of.

Any eye pain or unusual symptoms should be reported to the Orthoptist/Doctor. If you have any further questions about the use of these drops, please do not hesitate to contact the Orthoptic Department on 01942 822310.

Contact Details

Orthoptic Department
Entrance B
Second Floor
Wigan Health Centre
Frog Lane
Wigan WN6 7LB