How effective is low-concentration atropine in preventing myopia? Doctors answer

If we talk about the drugs most discussed by parents, "atropine" must be on the list. "I heard it can prevent myopia?" "If only we had this thing when we were kids, we wouldn't have to wear glasses!" "My child doesn't have myopia yet, can it be used to prevent it?"

Is low-concentration atropine really a "miracle drug for myopia"? Dr. Liu Yue from the Department of Optometry and Pediatric Ophthalmology of Dongguan Aier Eye Hospital affiliated to Jinan University explains:

What is atropine?

Although low-concentration atropine eye drops have just been approved for marketing, atropine has been used clinically for some time.

Atropine is originally a ciliary muscle paralyzing eye drop. Parents who take their children to an ophthalmology hospital for medical optometry examinations should know about the process of mydriasis. Mydriasis is to paralyze the ciliary muscle by dropping atropine, so that a more accurate refractive power can be obtained.

In the field of ophthalmology, atropine is mainly used for mydriasis optometry, treatment of iridocyclitis, etc.

Is low-concentration atropine useful in controlling myopia?

it works.

In 2022, the Optometry Group of the Ophthalmology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association published the "Expert Consensus on the Use of Low-Concentration Atropine Eye Drops in the Prevention and Control of Myopia in Children and Adolescents" in the "Chinese Journal of Optometry and Visual Science".

According to consensus, so far, atropine eye drops are the only drug that has been proven by evidence-based medicine to effectively delay the progression of myopia.

Dr. Liu Yue reminds parents that low-concentration atropine is not effective in controlling myopia in children and adolescents. Any drug has its own indications and is not suitable for everyone. The low-concentration atropine eye drops launched this time have a certain scope of application:

① Children and adolescents aged 6 to 12

② Myopia 100-400, astigmatism ≤ -1.50

Important reminder <br /> Low-concentration atropine is a prescription drug. When using it for the first time, you must consult a professional doctor and take it according to the doctor's instructions. Do not use it on your own or abuse it.

When using low-concentration atropine, strict and regular check-ups are required. The doctor needs to observe the response to the drug to see if the individual is suitable for the use of low-concentration atropine for myopia prevention and control. It is recommended that the first check-up be 1 to 2 weeks after taking the drug, and then every 3 months thereafter.

Can atropine eye drops replace glasses?

cannot.

For children and adolescents who already have myopia, using low-concentration atropine eye drops can delay the development of myopia, but it cannot replace optical correction methods such as frame glasses, defocus lenses, and OK lenses.

On the contrary, since atropine cannot correct the vision of myopic children, it is often used as a combined means with other optical means such as frame glasses, defocus lenses, and OK lenses.

In addition, whether it is eye drops or various optical means, these are "symptomatic" solutions. Effective methods of preventing and controlling myopia are inseparable from "root cause" methods such as good eye habits and increasing outdoor activities. It may also be necessary to make timely adjustments to the treatment plan according to the different stages of myopia patients, so long-term monitoring and follow-up are required.

How long does it take to use low-concentration atropine to control myopia?

Once the doctor determines that the child can use low-concentration atropine, it is generally necessary to use it for a long time.

Current research shows that continuous medication for 2 to 3 years is safe and effective. For young children and adolescents with rapid myopia progression and normal feedback, continued medication can be used to maintain better myopia prevention and control effects.

My child is not yet nearsighted, can it be used to prevent it?

Not recommended.

It is not recommended for children with insufficient hyperopia reserve or who have not been diagnosed with myopia to use low-concentration atropine eye drops on their own.

According to the current clinical data on the diagnosis of myopia prevention and control with low-concentration atropine eye drops at home and abroad, it is basically carried out among people who already have myopia. In other words, there is no clear scientific basis for whether low-concentration atropine eye drops can prevent and control myopia in children who do not have myopia.