Atropine 0.01% Effective To Slow Down Myopia
February 22, 2012
Feb. ophthalmology: As a follow-up to a study that demonstrated a very nice slowing down of myopia progression (about 1 diopter less over 2 years) with Atropine 1%, which has significant side effects like photophobia and blurred vision at near, the authors tried a much lower concentration with almost no side effects, and found it to be almost as effective. Considering the great side effect profile, I am going to give it serious consideration to my myopic pediatric patients.
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One Response to “Atropine 0.01% Effective To Slow Down Myopia”
I was also gladly surprised by the paper showing that daily 0.01% atropine was effective in slowing down myopia progression in children. Such a low concentration should be free of any toxic effect. No allergies, pupil dilation, or accommodative problems were reported in Chia’s paper of atropine 0.01% treated children in Singapore. I think that children with very early onset (between 6-10 years of age), with rapid progression (more than 0.75 diopters a year) and with parental history of high myopia have parents with great interest in preventing progression in their children. The treatment may last for a long period, perhaps until de 20’s, and the only expected effect is stability in refraction and not the avoidance of spectacles, as many desire, so many parents and children may abandon the treatment for lack of interest. The other problem is that it would be an off-label use of Atropine, and while the drug is not produced commercially it would have to be diluted in the pharmacy. It’s our job to discuss these facts with our patients.
Rafael Iribarren.
