Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing vision issue among children. It occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry while nearby vision remains clear. While glasses or contact lenses correct vision, they don’t stop myopia from worsening. One increasingly popular treatment to slow its progression is low-dose atropine eye drops.
At Lendrum Eye Centre in Edmonton, our optometrists believe in taking a proactive approach to childhood myopia. Families enrolled in our Myopia Management Clinic receive personalized care, ensuring treatment plans are both safe and effective for your child’s long-term eye health.
What is Atropine?
Atropine is a medication traditionally used to dilate pupils during eye exams. In low concentrations (usually 0.01% to 0.05%), it has been found to significantly slow down myopia progression in children. Treatment involves one drop per eye, applied nightly before bedtime.
How Atropine Helps Control Myopia
While its exact mechanism isn’t fully known, atropine likely works by reducing the eye’s focusing effort, slowing down abnormal elongation of the eye. This helps limit the progression of nearsightedness over time.
Benefits of Atropine for Myopia Control
1. Slows Myopia Progression
Studies show that low-dose atropine can reduce progression by up to 50–60%, especially important in younger children with quickly worsening prescriptions. Controlling myopia early helps prevent future complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
2. Minimal Side Effects
Atropine in low doses causes few side effects. Unlike higher concentrations, it doesn’t significantly affect near vision or cause light sensitivity, making it safe for long-term use.
What to Expect During Treatment
1. Daily Use
Parents apply the drops each night before bed. Consistency is crucial for best results.
2. Regular Checkups
Children will have frequent follow-ups through our Myopia Management Clinic. These visits include prescription reviews and axial length measurements to monitor eye growth.
3. Still Need Glasses or Contacts
Atropine does not replace corrective lenses. Kids will still need glasses or contacts for clear vision—atropine simply slows the worsening of their prescription.
Is Atropine Right for Your Child?
Atropine is a strong option for many children, but not all. Our optometrists will evaluate:
- Age: Best for kids ages 5 to 15
- Myopia Progression Rate: Ideal for those with rapidly changing vision
- Lifestyle: Good for active kids who may struggle with contacts or frequent prescription updates
Additional Myopia Control Options
We often combine atropine with other effective treatments, such as:
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea
- Myopia Control Glasses or Contacts: Lenses designed to create peripheral defocus and slow eye growth
Start Myopia Treatment at Lendrum Eye Centre
Myopia is more than needing glasses—it’s a progressive condition that can impact your child’s long-term vision. With low-dose atropine and expert care from Lendrum Eye Centre, you can take control early and help protect your child’s sight.
📞 Call 780-437-1409 today to book an appointment and find out if atropine treatment is right for your child.
