What are Atropine drops?

Atropine (atropine sulfate) drops belong to a class of drugs knows as anticholinergics. Atropine drops are a prescription medication used to dilate the pupils during an eye examination, an alternative to patching for the treatment of amblyopia, and more recently for the control and management of myopia.

Are Atropine drops safe?

Yes. However, as with any prescription medication, there is a potential for side effects. Common side effects include increased eye sensitivity to light, accommodative insufficiency, eye pain and stinging upon instillation of drops, blurred vision, eye inflammation and decreased tearing among others. There is no data available on longer-term use of Atropine drops.

Atropine drops could be contraindicated in children with some conditions, syndromes, or certain medications.

Will my child be able to adapt to the use of Atropine drops?

Atropine drops are used daily, and stinging when they are put in the eye. The likelihood of non-compliance must be considered. Compliance improves with parent commitment. Children should not be responsible for their own drops.

How often does my child need to use Atropine drops?

Daily. It does take commitment and motivation on the part of both parents and the child to apply the drops daily. Compliance is a key component to achieving the desired results.

At what age can a child begin using Atropine drops for myopia control?

Randomized clinical trials have included children ages 4 to 12 with myopia of at least -1.00 diopter of correction needed. On average, treatment begins at 5 to 6 years of age.

What happens when Atropine drops are discontinued?

The daily use of Atropine drops is important in the control and management of myopia. Research shows that once Atropine treatment stops, myopia progression rebounds. Compliance is key throughout the eye's growth years.