Atropine Drops: Effective Myopia Treatment

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What is Atropine?

Atropine is a medication made from the Atropa Belladonna plant. The name "belladonna" means "beautiful woman" in Italian. It dates back to the 1300s and 1400s when women used to rub the leaves of this plant on their eyes to make their pupils bigger, thinking it would make them look more attractive.

Why is Atropine Used in Medicine?

Atropine has been used in medicine since the 1800s to treat various conditions, including:

• Heart problems
• Breathing issues
• Digestive disorders
• Eye conditions

It works by affecting different systems in the body, which can be helpful but also increases the chances of side effects.

That's why it's important only to use atropine under the guidance of a healthcare professional. If misused, such as taking it by mouth when it's intended for the eyes, it can cause serious side effects and even be life-threatening.

Why is Atropine Used in Eye Care?

When atropine is used as eye drops, it widens the pupil, which helps optometrists see the back of the eye more clearly. A larger pupil allows them to examine the eye's structures, like looking through a bigger window rather than a tiny keyhole.

This use of atropine is for diagnostic purposes, helping doctors check the eye without treating it. However, because atropine's effects last longer than necessary for an eye exam, newer medications with shorter-lasting effects have become more common, making atropine less frequently used in diagnostics today.

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How Atropine Helps in Eye Care

Conducting Eye Exam

Atropine eye drops temporarily enlarge the pupil and stop the eye from focusing, helping doctors accurately test for conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes).

Amblyopia Treatment

Atropine eye drops are prescribed for children with amblyopia (lazy eye) as an alternative to patching, typically for ages 3 to 12, to improve vision in the weaker eye.

Eye Pain Relief

Atropine eye drops can treat eye pain caused by severe infections or inflammation. They are effective for both children and adults with these serious eye conditions.

Myopia Treatment

Doctors may prescribe atropine eye drops to children with progressive myopia (nearsightedness) to slow its progression and prevent it from worsening over time.

What Causes Myopia Progression?

The Role of Atropine Eye Drops in Myopia Management

The Benefits of Atropine Eye Drops

Effective Myopia Management

Atropine eye drops can slow myopia progression and support long-term eye health.

Effortless Application

They are simple to use, requiring just one drop per eye at bedtime.

Mild and Manageable Side Effects

With minimal and temporary side effects, atropine eye drops are well-tolerated.

How Effective is Atropine at Slowing Myopia Progression?

Is Atropine Effective for Myopia Control in Children?

How Can I Tell if Atropine Is Slowing Myopia in My Child?

How to Use Atropine Eye Drops?

• Wash your and your child's hands before and after applying the drops.
• Twist off the tip of the bottle and use a new one for each dose.
• Gently pull down your child's lower eyelid to form a pocket.
• Ensure the container does not touch your child's eyes, lashes, or skin.
• Place a single drop into the pocket of the lower eyelid, avoiding the corner.
• Press gently on the inner corner of the eye for about one minute.
• Dispose of the empty bottle in your household trash once used.

Potential Side Effects of Using Atropine for Myopia Control?

Atropine can cause side effects, though many are minor and may subside with continued use. These include:

• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Redness or irritation around the eyes
• Fever or chills
• Sore throat
• Skin rash
• Headaches or dizziness
• Upset stomach or nausea
• Mood changes, like irritability

In rare instances, atropine can lead to more serious side effects, such as:

• High fever
• Unusual irritability or agitation
• Rapid heart rate
• Difficulty breathing or irregular heartbeat
• Confusion or disorientation

FAQs

Are Atropine Eye Drops New?

Eye care professionals have used atropine eye drops for many years. Initially developed for purposes like eye dilation and treating various eye conditions, they have a well-established safety record.

Research on atropine for myopia management started decades ago, showing its ability to slow myopia progression. Recently, researchers have explored low-dose atropine as a safer option with fewer side effects. However, some of these lower concentrations have yet to receive FDA approval.

Is the Effect Permanent?

Atropine eye drops help slow myopia progression during treatment, but the effects are not permanent. Once the treatment is discontinued, myopia may resume.

Eye doctors often use this treatment when other myopia-control options, like specialty contact lenses, are unsuitable.

Can Any Doctor Prescribe This Eye Drop, and How Do We Get It Filled?

Eye doctors can prescribe atropine eye drops for myopia management. However, a licensed compounding pharmacist must prepare the drops by diluting the full-strength version in a sterile setting.

How Much Does Atropine Eye Drop Cost? Does Insurance Cover It?

The cost of diluted atropine drops varies by pharmacy and is generally not covered by insurance.

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