Why do I need atropine to dilate my pupil for optometry? How to use atropine correctly? This is a concern for many parents. Shanghai Heping Eye Hospital’s pediatric ophthalmologists say that children’s eyes have a strong power of adjustment, and that natural pupil testing does not represent the true refractive power of children. The pupil is dilated with 1% atropine to fully paralyze the ciliary muscle and provide a basis for reasonable intervention and correction. Atropine is the only accurate means of examining refractive errors and determining their nature (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism) and diagnosing amblyopia, and is not harmful to the eyes when used correctly. The use of atropine: 1, once a day in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening, both eyes, for three days, (five days for internal obliquity). 2, the fourth day (the sixth day of internal obliquity) without eye medication, directly to the hospital to review the examination shadow optometry. 3, special patients use methods in accordance with medical advice. 4. When applying atropine gel, let the child sit (head back) or lie down, gently pull open the lower eyelid, let the child’s eye look upward, and apply the rice-grain-sized atropine gel to the eye (note: never apply too much). 5. Immediately after applying the eye medication, press the nasal root of the inner corners of both eyes for 3 minutes to reduce the systemic absorption of atropine and to avoid side effects that may cause discomfort to the child. Precautions for the use of atropine 1. The eye ointment applied to the skin outside the eye should be wiped clean. 2. As atropine dilates the pupil, it is normal for patients to feel photophobia and difficulty in seeing near. 3. Avoid bright light stimulation during pupil dilatation, especially strong sunlight stimulation, and wear a brimmed hat or sunglasses outdoors. 4. During pupil dilatation, children should be watched carefully to avoid bruising due to blurred vision. 5. Since the purpose of dilating the pupils is to relax the ciliary muscle, do not use the eyes at close range, such as reading books, watching TV or using a computer during the period of dilatation. 6. If your child has a serious heart condition or has been diagnosed with glaucoma, please state that you will use it with caution according to medical advice. If the child has fever or acute conjunctivitis, use should be suspended. 7. If a child has a flushed face and thirst after pupil dilatation, no special treatment is usually necessary. In rare cases, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, hallucinations, cramps, excitement, and eyelid edema are considered to be adverse reactions to atropine, and should be discontinued immediately or consult an ophthalmologist. 8. It takes about three weeks for the pupil to return to normal after discontinuation of dilated pupils, but the time for pupil recovery may vary due to individual differences, all of which are normal.