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Q: Why is there a need to dilate my
child’s eyes to check for refractive errors? Won’t the cycloplegic drops
have harmful side effects?
A: Children have
great accommodative amplitudes and they can change the measurement of
refraction. In a child who has no error of refraction (emmetropic), a
significant myopia, and sometimes astigmatism, may be picked up if he or she
accommodates. The only way to get an accurate measurement of error of
refraction in children is to inhibit accommodation with the use of
cycloplegic agents.
There are several
agents commonly used in practice and these include tropicamide,
cyclopentolate, and atropine. The first two agents have rapid onset of
accommodation, short duration and few side effects. The last one has a
longer onset, requiring three days of drug application, and longer duration,
but provides the greatest amount of cycloplegia. Most children may be
refracted using the first two. However, children with dark irides like
Asians are not as responsive as Caucasian children to the cycloplegic action
of the first two agents. Atropine refraction is therefore recommended for
this set of children.
Minor side effects
of cycloplegic agents include transient stinging, blurring of vision, and
photophobia. The stinging sensation is diminished by the application of a
drop of anaesthetic prior to the application of the cycloplegic agent.
Photophobia may be addressed by wearing wrap-around sunglasses or hats. The
duration of photophobia and blurring of vision is related to the duration of
the drug’s mydriatic effect. The shorter-acting agents provide faster
recovery of accommodation and of resolution of symptoms. Atropine is
associated with relatively more adverse effects such as dry mouth, flushing
of the face, fever, allergic reaction, irritability, tachycardia, and
hallucinations. Therefore, the child’s weight and age are important
considerations in the choice of atropine concentration or dose for
cycloplegic refraction. Punctal occlusion during drug administration of
atropine helps in decreasing the systemic absorption of atropine and greatly
diminishes the occurrence of severe adverse drug reactions. Any child with
severe adverse drug reaction should be brought to the hospital for immediate
treatment.
There are several ways of reaching the ophthalmologists of EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic:
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ONLINE ACCESS
WEBSITES.
http://www.EyeRepublic.com.ph - EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
http://www.OCP.com.ph - Ophthalmic
Consultants Philippines Co. -
http://www.LASIK.com.ph - Refractive
Surgery Resource
http://www.Cataract.com.ph - Cataract Surgery Resource
http://www.Eye.com.ph - Eye
Information Online
http://www.EyeDoc4Kids.com.ph - Eye Information for Kids
http://www.Retina.com.ph - Retina
Surgery Resource
http://www.Glaucoma.com.ph - Glaucoma
Online
http://www.Uveitis.com.ph - Uveitis Online
EMAIL. After writing down your comments,
suggestions, problems and/or questions, kindly tell us how
to get in touch with you by providing your name, email,
home/office numbers, and mobile phone.
General inquiries - help@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Refractive Surgery Service - refractive.surgery@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Glaucoma Service - glaucoma@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Cataract Service - cataract@EyeRepublic.com.ph
Doctors - eyemd@EyeRepublic.com.ph
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EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Atlas
CLINIC INFORMATION
Mobile E-Yellow Pages. Via
SMS, text LUK4 EYEREPUBLIC
(send to 2851 for Globe and Sun Cellular, and 2951 for Smart). |
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Manila
3/F Don Santiago Building Units 309-310
1344 Taft Avenue, Ermita
Manila, 1000 Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 536-2398
Trunk Line: (632) 523-8271 to 79 local 30
Mobile: (63917) 899-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
Asian Hospital
and Medical Center
5/F Medical Office
Building (MOB) Suite 509
2205 Civic Drive,
Filinvest, Alabang
Muntinlupa City,
1781 Philippines
Direct:
(632) 771-9253
Direct and Fax:
(632) 771-9254
Mobile: (63917) 795-2020
Map and Directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC Ophthalmology Clinic
Medical City
6/F Medical Arts Tower Inc (MATI) Suite 602
MERALCO Compound, Ortigas Avenue
Pasig City, 1604, Philippines
Direct and Fax: (632) 632-7846
Mobile: (63917) 537-2020
Map and directions
|
EYE REPUBLIC
Ophthalmology Clinic
St. Luke's
Medical Center
6/F
Cathedral Heights Building Complex (CHBC)
North Tower Suite 614
279 E. Rodriguez
Sr. Boulevard
Quezon City, 1102
Philippines
Direct and Fax:
(632) 407-3883
Mobile: (63917) 855-2020
Map and directions
|
CLINIC HOURS
First-Come, First-Served
Monday to Saturday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
All clinics are closed on Sundays and Holidays
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CYCLOPLEGIC REFRACTION information
compiled by Dr.
Barbara L. Roque and initially uploaded on May 1, 2005.
Last updated on
September 14, 2007. |
