Atropine for Myopia Management

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What is Atropine Treatment for Nearsightedness in Children?

In addition to other available options for treating childhood myopia, one increasingly popular way to slow the progression is the use of low concentration atropine drops. Slowing the progression of the condition is critical, since it can lead to more serious ocular conditions in adults such as retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma. Taking into account the rising rates of world-wide myopia, this represents a promising intervention to prevent serious complications.

And unlike other interventions, this is a non-invasive intervention without the side effects or complications that may arise with more invasive procedures. It is important to note that this is not a cure, but rather an intervention to preserve vision and stop progression of the disease. It is not without its concerns. Some parents are hesitant to use these treatments without more research, as are some optometrists who are reluctant to use these drops without comprehensive research.

Treatment of Children With Nearsightedness

Atropine treatment is relatively simple. Low dose eye drops are administered daily. Parents will need to ensure that they adhere to the treatment, particularly if they are the ones applying these drops for younger children. The efficacy of these treatments has strong support from research, and it seems to be based on its apparent reduction of correcting refractive error rather than affecting axial length elongation.

Much of the current debate centers around the specifics of the concentrations that are ideal for these drops, and offer the best corrective function without compromising safety. The American Optometric Association currently recommends a concentration of 0.05% solution based on current research to achieve the full efficacy without additional side effects.

Side effects are relatively minor and rare, and the research has shown no significant changes in an increase of pupil size. In addition to low concentration atropine for myopia, many children will still require the corrective measures of prescription glasses or contact lenses to achieve optimal vision improvement.

The treatment is relatively easy. Night-time drops need to be applied daily to slow down myopic progression. The side effects of low dose drops are considered minimal. In rare cases, an optometrist may cease the treatment, if there are signs of infection, allergy, or other side effects that suggest a bad reaction.

Common Questions

Are low dose atropine drops a cure for slowing progression in childhood nearsightedness?

There is no cure. Research shows that they are an effective way to slow down the progression of myopia in children.

Are these treatments associated with fixing eye length (axial elongation)?

Although the exact mechanism and process remains unknown, the efficacy of the treatment of childhood myopia is based upon its apparent reduction of axial length.

What is myopia control?

This can refer to any number of interventions to slow progression of nearsightedness. Additional options include contact lenses and medical procedures.

Is this type of treatment sufficient to treat myopia?

In many instances, they aren't sufficient by themselves since they are primarily designed to slow down the progression. Additional interventions may include multifocal lenses, contacts lenses, etc.

What are the side effects of this treatment?

The side effects are minimal, although there are always rare instances where a treatment will have an effect on someone. In such circumstances a cessation of atropine may be required. Speak with your optometrist to discuss the risks and to determine if it is a viable option.

Is Atropine a Viable Treatment for Childhood Myopia

Atropine has been shown to effectively slow down progressive myopia. This is critical, since severe instances can lead to more serious ocular conditions in adults. This is a non-invasive intervention with minimal risk of side effects or complications that may arise with other invasive procedures. While some optometrists and parents are hesitant to use these treatments without more research, many optometrists are impressed with the research and satisfied with the overall safety of its usage. Speak with your eye doctor to see if this is a viable option for your child as part of an overall treatment strategy.

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Testimonials

Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.

Amanda T.

Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.

Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.

Alexa H.

Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.

He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.

It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.

Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!

Charlotte M.

Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.

Thank you!

Olivia C.

Seems much less frustrated with life

Reads non-stop and fast

Spelling abilities have been hugely improved

Seems much more confident

Thank You!!!

Kelly O.

When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!