Final answer:
Mydriatics and cycloplegics, such as phenylephrine, atropine, and cyclopentolate, are used to dilate the pupil and temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle for eye examinations or procedures. Pilocarpine can be used afterward to reverse mydriasis and treat glaucoma by decreasing intraocular pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of drops used to dilate the eyes and paralyze the fine focusing muscle for near vision are called mydriatics and cycloplegics. Drugs like phenylephrine are used to induce mydriasis by dilating the pupil. However, to achieve both pupil dilation and paralysis of the ciliary muscle, medications such as atropine or cyclopentolate are typically used. These drugs prevent the ciliary muscle from contracting, thus inhibiting the eye's ability to focus on near objects, a process known as accommodation.
In contrast, pilocarpine is used after eye exams to reverse mydriasis and reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients by constricting the pupil and aiding in the drainage of aqueous humor. For vision correction, nearsightedness (myopia) is treated with diverging lenses to reduce power, while farsightedness (hyperopia) requires converging lenses to increase power.