What does mydriatic mean?
Mydriatic is a specialist adjective describing something that causes the pupil of the eye to become wider. The pupil is the central opening in the colored part of the eye, and dilation allows more light to reach the retina. Doctors use mydriatic drops to enlarge the pupil during eye examinations, particularly when examining the retina, optic nerve, or back of the eye. The word can also refer to the widening effect itself, although the condition or process is more precisely called mydriasis. Mydriatics are used in both routine clinical examinations and in the treatment of certain eye conditions. Because the term belongs mainly to medicine and ophthalmology, it is less common in general conversation than words such as “dilating drops.” Its similarity in sound to “miotic” can cause confusion, but the two have opposite effects: mydriatics widen the pupil, while miotics constrict it.
adjectiveDenoting a drug, treatment, or substance that causes dilation of the pupil of the eye. It is chiefly used in medicine and ophthalmology.
- Causing or relating to dilation of the pupil of the eye.
"The ophthalmologist administered a mydriatic before examining the patient's retina."
"The examination room contained several bottles of mydriatic drops."
"The drug's mydriatic action made the patient's pupils noticeably larger."
A mydriatic opens the eye's pupil wide, giving doctors a clearer view inside the eye.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mydriatic come from?
The word derives from New Latin mydriaticus, from Greek mydriasis, a term for dilation of the pupil. Greek mydriasis in turn relates to mydrias, an older term for the dilated pupil. The same Greek and Latin roots also underlie the related English forms mydriate and mydriasis.
Related word forms
How mydriatic is actually used
Primarily a medical and ophthalmological term. It is normally used for substances or drugs that dilate the pupil, rather than for the dilation itself, which is called mydriasis.
Easily confused with mydriatic
A mydriatic dilates the pupil, whereas a miotic constricts it.