Atropine

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Ideal for younger patients, Atropine therapy slows the progression of myopia via a medicative drop. Atropine is dosed once daily and the strength of the eye drop is chosen depending on the severity of the patients myopic progression. Patients will need to be monitored every few months (duration determined by the doctor based on age, prescription, physical growth etc). 

Dr. Homa-Palladino will tailor a plan along with you and your child to find the appropriate concentration of atropine to help reduce the rate of progression of myopia and limit the possible side effects. Since the reduced concentration of atropine is not commercially available, it will be formulated by a compounding pharmacy and will not be available at a standard pharmacy. 

Research has proven that atropine at low concentrations is very effective at reducing the rate of myopia progression. A very small percentage of children notice mild outdoor light sensitivity or mild blurriness at near. This is easily avoided with near power and light sensitive lenses. Some also have slightly larger pupils. FDA trials are currently being conducted to approve low concentration atropine drops specifically for myopia management. 

All myopia control protocol includes using the most updated glasses or contact lens prescription at the initiation of atropine therapy. Studies have shown that under correction or not correcting the myopia can result in an increase of the myopia. 

*Please note: This treatment needs to be monitored by the doctor and will require a few appointments throughout the year.