What powerful mydriatic and cycloplegic can take up to two weeks to wear off?

Atropine is a potent mydriatic and cycloplegic agent that can indeed take a prolonged duration, sometimes up to two weeks, to fully wear off. This extended period is attributed to Atropine's pharmacological properties and its strong binding affinity to the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the eye. As a result, it effectively dilates the pupil (mydriasis) and temporarily paralyzes the ciliary muscle (cycloplegia), which can significantly impact near vision.

In the clinical setting, Atropine is often used for various purposes, such as in the treatment of uveitis to prevent synechiae and for fundus examinations, especially in pediatric patients. Its longer duration of action compared to other mydriatics makes it particularly useful in situations where prolonged dilation is needed.

Other mydriatic agents like Scopolamine, Cyclopentolate, and Tropicamide generally have shorter durations and are not known to take as long as Atropine to resolve. Scopolamine and Cyclopentolate are often used for quicker, shorter procedures, while Tropicamide is favored for rapid examinations because its effects can wear off within hours rather than days or weeks. Therefore