What is the difference between rapid dilatation and slow dilatation? Dilated pupils are designed to paralyze the ciliary muscle. Rapid dilatation is not a complete paralysis, but usually takes about half an hour to work and six hours to return to normal. The slow dilatation is more complete, reaching its effect time in three days and returning to normal in about twenty days. What tests are required to confirm a strabismus diagnosis? Patients with strabismus, especially children, need to have their pupils dilated before a treatment plan can be determined. On the one hand, it is necessary to know the exact visual acuity of the patient to exclude factors such as amblyopia and regulatory strabismus; on the other hand, it is convenient to examine the fundus after pupil dilatation to exclude fundus abnormalities. Is it better to dilate the pupil of a child with strabismus quickly or slowly? This depends on the situation. For patients under six years of age with suspected eye diseases such as amblyopia or strabismus, slow dilatation is usually preferred. How do I use dilating medications? Fast pupil dilatation: Tropicana or Medrolite eye drops in both eyes, one drop at a time, every 5-10 minutes for a total of four times, and wait about half an hour after the four times for the eye exam; Slow dilatation: More 1% atropine eye drops or gel in both eyes, one drop at a time, every six hours (three times/day) for a total of nine times, with pressure on the tear sac area (inner corner of the eye) for 5-10 minutes after the medication is applied, and a checkup at the optometry department on the fourth day is sufficient. For infants and children, once daily for seven days is sometimes given in order to reduce drug reactions.