Efficacy of a mydriatic spray in the pediatric population.

Abstract

Children often resist instillation of mydriatic drops for dilated fundus evaluation. As cycloplegic sprays have proven useful, this study's aim was to demonstrate efficacy of a mydriatic spray. Twenty-two healthy subjects, ages 2 to 8 years, participated in the study. All but two had dark brown irides. Subjects were given either one drop each of 1% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine in each eye or one application of mydriatic spray (containing concentrations of 0.5% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine) to each closed eyelid. Pupils were measured with a pupil gauge before drug delivery and every 10 min thereafter, for 40 min. Repeated measures analysis of variance for the five time intervals demonstrated no significant difference between the two application methods nor in the method/time interaction, but a statistically significant increase in pupil size over time (p < 0.0005) for each method. A t-test revealed no statistically significant difference in pupil size (p > 0.05) between the two methods of drug administration at 40 min after application. This study suggests that use of mydriatic sprays on closed eyelids is as efficacious as use of mydriatic drops in open eyes for children.