What type of drop is typically used to prevent the formation of posterior synechiae?

The use of cycloplegics is essential in the prevention of posterior synechiae, which are adhesions that can develop between the iris and the lens of the eye. Cycloplegic agents work by paralyzing the ciliary muscle and inducing mydriasis (dilation of the pupil). By dilating the pupil and preventing the lens from moving forward, cycloplegics help to keep the anterior chamber stable and reduce the chance of the iris adhering to the lens following surgical procedures or in conditions such as uveitis.

While mydriatics also cause pupil dilation, they do not provide the same level of muscle paralysis as cycloplegics, which is crucial for preventing these adhesions specifically. Topical anesthetics serve to numb the eye during procedures but do not directly affect the iris-lens relationship. Artificial tears, on the other hand, are used mainly to lubricate the eye and alleviate dryness; they do not play a role in preventing synechiae. Hence, cycloplegics are the preferred choice for preventing posterior synechiae due to their dual action of dilating the pupil and immobilizing the ciliary muscle.