Purpose

To investigate the effects of tropicamide on chromatic and achromatic contrast sensitivities over the physiological range of spatial frequencies.

Methods

A total of 26 healthy volunteers, with a mean age of 32 years, were examined with and without one drop of 1% tropicamide being administered 30 min previously. On each occasion, acuity and pupil diameter were recorded, and chromatic and achromatic contrast sensitivities were examined using the Sussex Grating Machine.

Results

Following tropicamide administration mean pupil diameter increased from 4.1 mm to 7.2 mm (P<0.001), and mean BCVA was reduced by 0.07 LogMar units (P<0.001).

Achromatic contrast sensitivity was significantly reduced following tropicamide administration at 2.20 cycles per degree (cpd) (P=0.01), 3.40 cpd (P=0.01), 10 cpd (P=0.04), 17 cpd (P=0.04), and 25 cpd (P<0.01). There was no difference in contrast sensitivity at lower spatial frequencies (0.33 and 0.66 cpd). Chromatic contrast sensitivity was not significantly altered when tested along the red–green and tritan confusion axes.

Conclusions

Achromatic contrast sensitivity is significantly reduced following tropicamide administration at intermediate and high spatial frequencies. No significant changes were seen at low spatial frequencies and in chromatic contrast sensitivities.