Cycloplegia is a temporary paralysis of the ciliary muscle of the eye usually by means of eye drops, resulting in a loss of accommodation.
Due to muscle paralysis, the lens cannot adapt and focus on nearby objects. Similar results also happen with presbyopia when the lens loses its elasticity and cannot focus on close-by objects. Cycloplegia followed by mydriasis or the dilation of pupils, is the result of the topical application of eye drops during an examination. Using these drops and blocking of the ciliary muscle enables the ophthalmologist to determine the exact refraction. Although the accommodation function usually returns after a few hours, the effect of drops may last a couple of days. Therefore, you are advised to use sunglasses after the examination.