Which type of medication is commonly used to dilate the pupils before an eye examination?

Mydriatics are the class of medications specifically designed to dilate the pupils, which is often necessary before conducting a thorough eye examination. These medications work by relaxing the iris sphincter muscle, allowing the pupil to widen. This dilation provides the ophthalmologist with a better view of the interior structures of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve, which is crucial for diagnosing various eye conditions.

In contrast, the other options serve different purposes. Topical anesthetics are used to numb the surface of the eye during procedures but do not affect pupil size. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections and have no role in pupil dilation. Miotics, on the other hand, actually constrict the pupils and are used in conditions like glaucoma but are contraindicated when dilation is necessary. Therefore, mydriatics are the appropriate choice for pupil dilation in preparation for eye examinations.