How safe are ocular drugs in pediatrics?

In comparison with that of adults, the smaller body mass of children raises questions of dosage. In addition, manifestations of ocular drug toxicity are different in some respects. The ocular drugs causing serious adverse ocular or systemic side effects in children include glaucoma medications, corticosteroids, phenylephrine, and the anticholinergic cycloplegics. The reported complications from using these medications in children will be briefly reviewed, and strategies for minimizing the risk of their adverse effects will be suggested, including a discussion of dosages and techniques of administration.