An Overview of the Dosage, Side Effects, and Long-term Effects of Atropine Eye Drops in Management of Myopia Progression in Children

Abstract

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error affecting individuals worldwide, with its prevalence increasing significantly, particularly in children. Various strategies have been explored to manage myopia progression, among which atropine eye drops have gained attention for their potential efficacy. Atropine, a muscarinic antagonist, has been investigated for its ability to slow down myopia progression in children. However, concerns about dosage, side effects, and long-term effects remain significant considerations in utilizing atropine eye drops for myopia control in pediatric populations. The dosage of atropine eye drops in myopia control regimens varies across studies, with concentrations ranging from 0.01% to 0.5%. Lower concentrations, such as 0.01% and 0.02%, have been found effective in slowing myopia progression while minimizing adverse effects. Conversely, higher concentrations, such as 0.5%, may offer greater efficacy but are associated with an increased risk of adverse effects. Dosage frequency also varies, with daily administration being the most common regimen. However, individualized dosing strategies based on patient age, severity of myopia and response to treatment are crucial considerations for optimizing outcomes. Although atropine eye drops have shown promise in controlling myopia progression, they are associated with various ocular and systemic side effects. Common ocular side effects include photophobia, near-vision blur, and transient pupil dilation, which can affect visual acuity and quality of life. Systemic side effects, such as dry mouth, flushing, and tachycardia, may occur, particularly with higher concentrations of atropine. This literature review provides an overview of the utilization of atropine eye drops as a means to control myopia progression in children, focusing on dosage, side effects, and long-term effects. This review shall highlight the importance of individualized dosing regimens, vigilant monitoring of side effects, and longitudinal studies to optimize the use of atropine eye drops in managing myopia progression in children.