Myopia treatment with Atropine drops

Myopia (short-sightedness) is increasing around the world, with many now calling it an epidemic. Recent studies estimate that 50% of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050.  Aside from the burden of needing spectacles or contact lenses to function normally, people with myopia have a much higher risk of blinding eye disease later in life.  Low dose atropine eye drops are a proven treatment to slow myopia progression of myopia in children, protecting your child's eye health in the future.

Atropine eye drops -- Atropine drops have been used for many years to control myopia; however, until recently they were prescribed at a much stronger concentration (0.5% - 1%). Atropine at this level causes loss of focusing in young children for near tasks and dilates the pupil significantly, leading to light sensitivity. Studies over the last decade have found that much lower concentrations of atropine, such as 0.02%, have a comparable reduction in myopia progression, without any noticeable effect on pupil size or near-focusing. For example, the ATOM2 study showed the myopia control effect of 75% reduction for the 1%, 0.5% and 0.1% concentrations and 65% reduction with 0.01%.

How do atropine drops slow myopia? It was initially thought that as atropine drops paralyzed the focusing muscles of the eye, this was the reason for the myopia control. Our understanding now suggests that the atropine molecule affects a receptor in the tissue of the back of the eye, signaling the eye to stop growing excessively. This mechanism is still being studied around the world.

How should atropine eye-drops be used?

- One drop of atropine eye drops should be instilled into each eye every night
- The child should close their eyes for 1 minute following instillation
- No other eye drop should be used for 5 minutes after instillation
- The drops sometimes sting a little but this should not last more than a minute.
- The child should continue to use glasses or contact lenses during the day as atropine will not improve the vision. Uncorrected or under-corrected myopia has been shown to be a risk factor for myopia progression, so any glasses should be accurate and worn during the waking hours.

What are the side effects of atropine eye drops?  Eye-related side effects of general atropine eye drops can include: blurred near vision, sensitivity to sunlight, pupil dilation (the amount varies from patient to patient and concentration of medication used), stinging and burning, or swelling of the eyelids. General side effects of high-dose atropine eye drops include allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives), an irregular or fast heart rate, hallucinations or unusual behavior (especially in children). Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.

We use imprimis pharmacy which is a mail order pharmacy. Their website is https://www.imprimisrx.com/s/patients. We also use Health and Wellness pharmacy which is near Centennial Hospital. Their website is located at https://www.myhwcp.com/