Outpatient sedation for ocular examination.

Outpatient sedation of infants, uncooperative children and, rarely, adults provides an opportunity to perform certain ophthalmologic diagnostic procedures such as tonometry, ophthalmoscopy and various electrophysiological studies (e.g., electroretinography and visual evoked response testing) without the expense and usage of an operating room. Many drugs have been recommended and used; all have limitations. The advantages and disadvantages of the more commonly used agents are reviewed. The known effects of these drugs on ocular function are presented.