Atropine Eye Drops

What is atropine?

• Atropine is an eye drop used for dilation, myopia control, and amblyopia treatment.
• Works by blocking receptors in the eye that allow for pupil constriction.
• Low concentration atropine is utilized to reduce possible side effects and myopic rebound after stopping the topical drug.

How does it slow down myopia?

• Theories suggest that the drug physically regulates the receptors in the eye that play a role in ocular elongation rather than optically slowing myopia as accomplished by glasses/contact lenses; however the exact mechanism is still unknown.

Advantages

• Atropine eye drop is typically administered once a day before bedtime.
• Less follow-up appointments are required.

Disadvantages

• Side effects may occur including: minimal light sensitivity, glare, blur at near, or redness.
• Patient will still need optical correction for their prescription.