What class of drugs is used to dilate the pupil?

The correct answer is mydriatics, as these are specifically designed for the purpose of dilating the pupil. Mydriatic drugs work by inhibiting the muscles that constrict the pupil, allowing it to widen. This dilation is useful in various medical examinations and procedures, particularly in ophthalmology, where a larger view of the interior structures of the eye is required for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Cycloplegics are often confused with mydriatics because they also dilate the pupil; however, their primary purpose is to temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle of the eye, which affects accommodation. While they do cause dilation, this is an ancillary effect, not their main function.

Analgesics are medications that relieve pain and do not have any action related to pupil dilation. Antibiotics work to combat bacterial infections and are unrelated to the mechanisms of the eye and pupil.

In summary, mydriatics uniquely serve the function of pupil dilation, making them the correct choice in this context.