Atropine eye drops for myopia management
Atropine eye drops are a medication used for myopia management in children. Here are some information from multiple clinical studies:
- Atropine inhibits the focusing mechanism of the eye, which may help reduce the elongation of the eye that is associated with myopia progression. By temporarily relaxing the focusing mechanism of the eye, atropine may help reduce the axial length of the eye, which is a major factor in the development and progression of myopia
- Atropine may also work by boosting dopamine release from cellular stores, which then controls eye growth. It may also induce transient choroidal thickening, which may help reduce the elongation of the eye
- Atropine eye drops have been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of myopia in children. The first studies using atropine eye drops to slow myopia progression in children used 1% atropine, but these had significant side effects such as enlarged pupils, light sensitivity, and blurred close-up vision. Newer studies have investigated lower concentrations of 0.01% up to 0.05%, which have minimal side effects
- Atropine eye drops are used once per day, at night time. The low concentrations of atropine used in myopia management have far fewer side effects for long-term use and have proven to be safe and effective for slowing myopia progression in children from age 4 to 14 at the start of treatment, and for up to two to three years
In summary, atropine eye drops are a medication used for myopia management in children. They have been shown to be effective in slowing down the progression of myopia and are considered a safe and effective treatment option. It is important to consult with your optometrist to determine if atropine eye drops are suitable for your child and to receive proper guidance on their usage and care.
