ATROPINE EYE DROPS
FOR MYOPIA CONTROL
ATROPINE THERAPY
Low dose atropine has been used in eye care for over 100 years to help eye doctors view the inside of the eye and treat certain eye conditions. To control myopia, researchers have discovered that low concentration atropine (1/20th the normal concentration) can slow down myopia progression by about 40 – 60%. Low concentration atropine needs to be compounded by a pharmacist. The drops are taken once per day at night before bed.
HOW DO ATROPINE EYE DROPS CONTROL MYOPIA?
The specific mechanism of how atropine controls myopia is at present unknown. It is postulated that atropine inhibits scleral thinning or stretching and in turn eye growth by acting directly indirectly on the sclera (the sclera is the white outer coating of the eye).
ARE ATROPINE EYE DROPS SAFE?
Low dose atropine eye drops are extremely safe with very few adverse events reported to date. Some children experience mild light sensitivity and or near focusing issues. These tend to be mild and can be reduced by wearing sun activated eye glasses and/or progressive lenses.
WHEN DO WE USE ATROPINE EYE DROPS?
In Canada, atropine is most commonly used as adjunct therapy which means in combination with other myopia control options such as myopia controlling contact lenses or spectacle lenses. Several studies have demonstrated the enhanced effect of adding atropine to optical therapies to control myopia. Occasionally we use atropine as stand alone therapy along with regular glasses or contact lenses. This is a viable option if cost is an issue and/or your child is not able or older enough to wear contact lenses.
