What is a common side effect of cycloplegics?

A common side effect of cycloplegics is blurred vision. Cycloplegics are medications that temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle of the eye, which is responsible for controlling the lens's ability to change shape for focusing. This paralysis is beneficial for facilitating examinations of the retina and refraction, but it results in a loss of accommodation—the ability to focus on near objects. As a result, individuals taking cycloplegic agents often experience blurred vision, particularly when trying to see things up close.

The other options—such as dry eyes, increased tear production, and red eyes—do not represent typical side effects of cycloplegics. While dry eyes can occur for various reasons, increased tear production is not associated with the use of these medications. Red eyes may suggest other conditions or reactions, but they are not a direct consequence of cycloplegic use. Understanding these effects is crucial for patient management and providing accurate education about what to expect during and after the use of cycloplegic drops.