Atropine Drops
Atropine is an eye drop used to dilate the pupil and temporarily relax the eyes’ focusing mechanism. We use a low concentration of compounded atropine (0.01-0.05%), which is shown to have less side effects and less “rebound” myopia progression after treatment is discontinued.
Usage
Atropine is dosed 1 drop in each eye daily, ideally in the evening. Since atropine treatment is “off-label”, it’s not covered by medical insurance. Atropine is ordered & shipped through a compounding pharmacy.
Side Effects
Side effects are rare due to the low concentration, but may include:
- light sensitivity
- blurred near vision
- dry, irritated eyes
Follow Up Care
- 2 weeks after starting the medication to check for side effects
- Every 3- 6 months to evaluate the stability of myopia (self-pay Myopia Management Visit)
- Yearly comprehensive eye exam
If atropine is well-tolerated, expect treatment to last a minimum of 2 years or until age 15. Once atropine is discontinued, the patient should be followed in 6 months to check for myopia progression to determine if atropine treatment needs to be resumed.
Expected Treatment Outcome
Research shows treatment with low dose atropine reduces myopia progression 59% compared to standard glasses or contact lenses.