COMPARISON OF ACUTE EFFECT OF CYCLOPENTOLATE AND TROPICAMIDE ON INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE ON ALBINO RABBITS
OLUWASOLA MICHAEL OJO1*, AYODEJI EZEKIEL IGE1, CLARET CHINWEKELE NWACHUKWU1, MERCY LAZARUS1
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.ia
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 18(1): 468-473 ; 2026
ABSTRACT
Cycloplegic agents like cyclopentolate and tropicamide eyedrops are broadly used in optometric exams to dilate pupils and temporarily stop accommodation. However, they can cause slight increases in intraocular pressure (IOP). Factors such as age, eye health, and refractive status influence these IOP changes. Despite their common use, few studies have compared their effects on IOP specifically in Nigerian patients. This study aimed to compare the effects of topical cyclopentolate and tropicamide on IOP among healthy albino rabbits. A total of 10 rabbits were used and randomly assigned into two groups. Cyclopentolate eye drop was instilled in one group and topical tropicamide instilled in the other group. IOP was measured using a calibrated I-care tonometer (iCare Finland Oy, Vantaa, Finland) at baseline, 5minutes, 10minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes after drug administration. Results showed an initial slight increase in IOP following administration of both agents, with cyclopentolate showing a greater mean rise in IOP compared to tropicamide. While the initial IOP increases were statistically significant within both groups, they remained within physiologic limits for the majority of subjects. These findings suggest that although both agents may cause transient IOP elevations, cyclopentolate tends to exert a stronger pressure effect. The study underscores the importance of IOP monitoring after cycloplegic use, especially in patients at risk, and contributes locally relevant data to inform clinical decisions.
Keywords:Intraocular pressure, Cyclopentolate, Tropicamide, Cycloplegia, Albino rabbits, Tonometry
Email of correspondence: ojo.om@unilorin.edu.ng;
https://doi.org/10.59493/ajopred/2026.1.7 ISSN: 0794-800X (print); 1596-2431 (online)