How does low-dose atropine help with myopia?
Low-Dose Atropine has been a proven to be an effective treatment to control myopia progression.
Figure 1: Example of eye drop.
Atropine is often used to help manage myopia (nearsightedness) in children, although it doesn’t cure or reverse myopia. Instead, it works by slowing down the progression of the condition.
Here’s how it helps:
Slowing Myopia Progression: Studies have shown that using low-dose atropine (typically 0.01% to 0.05%) can slow the rate at which myopia worsens in children. It’s believed that atropine might affect the eye's growth process, reducing the elongation of the eyeball, which is responsible for myopia progression.
While atropine is not a permanent solution, its use under medical supervision is effective in managing myopia and is generally recommended for children to prevent further vision deterioration. However, its use should always be guided by an eye care professional since it can have side effects, such as light sensitivity or difficulty focusing up close.
If you're considering atropine treatment, it’s best to consult an eye doctor to discuss the risks and benefits for your specific case.