Ocular effects of topical and systemic atropine sulfate

Atropine sulfate is a parasympatholytic agent which can block the actions of the short ciliary nerve, relaxing the sphincter muscle of the iris, and dilating the pupils. It is commonly used as a topical agent for a treatment of acute iritis, iridocyclitis, and keratouveitis by relieving ciliary spasm and helping to prevent posterior synechia formation. Topical atropine may also be used to provide mydriasis to aid the examination of the posterior segment of the eye, although tropicamide is more commonly used because of its rapidity of action and shorter duration.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Ophthalmology Source Type: research