Atropine Eye Drops for Myopia: What You Need to Know
New Eye drops Slow Myopia Progression
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For years, atropine sulfate has been used as an eye drop to treat myopia. Now, a new formulation simplifies treatment, offering a convenient choice to complex compounding recipes.
Finished Medicine for Progressive Nearsightedness
The recently approved eye drops, marketed as Ryjunea®, are designed for children wiht rapidly progressing nearsightedness. They contain 0.01 percent atropine sulfate. While higher concentrations (0.5 percent) are already used to dilate pupils for diagnostic purposes adn treat eye injuries, this lower dose targets myopia progression.
The exact mechanism by which atropine sulfate slows myopia isn’t fully understood. It’s believed to influence eyeball growth and strengthen the choroid, which is often thinner in individuals with nearsightedness.
Myopia Progression Isn’t Stopped, But Slowed
The new eye drops don’t fully halt the development of myopia. Clinical trials demonstrated a slowing of progression compared to a placebo. A four-year study involving 847 children between 3 and 14 years old, with regular check-ups every three to six months, confirmed that while the progression wasn’t stopped, it was significantly reduced.
The goal of treatment is to minimize the final degree of nearsightedness, as high myopia increases the risk of developing cataracts and retinal detachment,especially in children.
Global Trends and the Importance of Outdoor Time
professor Dr. Frank Schäffel of the University Hospital Tübingen notes that the prevalence of myopia is over 90 percent in some asian countries, compared to around 25 to 30 percent in Europe. He emphasizes the importance of increased outdoor activity to combat this trend.
The increasing rates of myopia are linked to modern lifestyles, with children spending more time engaged in near-work activities like reading and using smartphones and tablets. Professor Schäffel recommends at least 80 minutes of daily exposure to natural light for children aged 8 to 15. He suggests that eye drops may be more relevant in Asia than in Europe.