Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What is the onset time for Cyclopentolate?

1. 10-30 minutes

2. 30-60 minutes

3. 60-90 minutes

4. 90-120 minutes

The correct answer is: 30-60 minutes

The onset time for Cyclopentolate is indeed around 30 to 60 minutes. Cyclopentolate is a commonly used cycloplegic agent primarily in the context of ophthalmology. It works by temporarily paralyzing the ciliary muscle, leading to dilation of the pupil and inhibition of accommodation. This onset time allows for adequate preparation before proceeding with examinations that require pupil dilation, such as refraction or fundus examinations. Factors such as individual variation and the specific formulation used can influence the precise timing, but the general consensus in clinical practice supports that 30 to 60 minutes is the typical range for onset after administration. The other options, while they suggest longer onset times, do not align with the established pharmacokinetics of Cyclopentolate in routine clinical settings.