Mydriasis and glaucoma: exploding the myth. A systematic review

Aims To investigate the risk of inducing acute glaucoma following mydriasis. Methods Systematic review of published research 1933-1999. Results The risk of inducing acute glaucoma following mydriasis with tropicamide alone is close to zero, no case being identified. The risk with long-acting or combined agents is between 1 in 3380 and 1 in 20 000. The presence of chronic glaucoma constitutes no additional risk. Conclusions Mydriasis with tropicamide alone is safe even in people with chronic glaucoma. It should be advised in all patients when thorough retinal examination is indicated.