A mydriatic is a substance that causes the pupil of the eye to open (dilate). Mydriatic eyedrops are used during some types of eye exams and may also be used to treat inflammation of the eye (uveitis or iritis).
Common mydriatic drugs include cyclopentolate (such as Cyclogyl and Pentolair), phenylephrine (such as Neo-Synephrine), and tropicamide (such as Mydriacyl).
Author:Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated: 05/18/2007
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