Atropine

What Are Atropine Eye Drops?

Atropine eye drops are used to help slow the progression of myopia in children. The drops are applied once each night before bedtime. At the low concentrations used for myopia control, atropine has minimal side effects and does not significantly affect focusing ability, making it a comfortable option for many children.

How Atropine Helps Slow Myopia

Atropine appears to slow eye growth by influencing the biochemical and structural pathways inside the eye that drive elongation. While the precise mechanism is still being studied, extensive clinical research supports its effectiveness in reducing the rate of myopia progression over time.

Combining Atropine With Other Myopia-Control Treatments

Recent studies suggest that atropine may offer added benefit when used together with other myopia-control methods, such as soft multifocal contact lenses or orthokeratology. This combination approach can provide an additive effect, helping slow eye growth more effectively than a single treatment alone. For some children, pairing atropine with another therapy may offer extra protection against the long-term risks associated with higher levels of myopia.

Who May Benefit From Atropine

• Children whose myopia is progressing quickly

• Younger children at higher risk for developing greater levels of myopia

• Children who are not ready for contact lenses

• Children who may benefit from combining atropine with another form of myopia control

Why Parents Choose Atropine

• Easy once-nightly application

• Minimal side effects at the concentration used for myopia control

• Can be used alone or alongside other treatments

• A good option for children who are not ready for contact lenses