What is the purpose of cycloplegic agents in ocular examinations?

Cycloplegic agents are primarily used in ocular examinations to induce a temporary paralysis of the ciliary muscle in the eye. This results in the prevention of accommodation, which is the process that allows the eye to adjust its focus from distant to near objects. By paralyzing the ciliary muscle, cycloplegic agents facilitate a more accurate assessment of refractive errors, enabling eye care professionals to obtain precise measurements of the eye's focusing ability without interference from the eye's natural focusing mechanism.

This paralysis allows for a clearer examination of the retina and other internal structures of the eye, as it can eliminate the distortion caused by the eye attempting to accommodate to various distances. In addition, the use of cycloplegic agents can help in the diagnosis of certain eye conditions by providing a stable condition in which to observe the eye's response without the variable influence of accommodation.