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.