How Atropine Drops Help Slow Myopia Progression in Children

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children’s health. But when it comes to their vision, changes can sometimes go unnoticed until they start struggling in school or squinting at distant objects. Myopia has become increasingly common in children, and if left unchecked, it tends to worsen over time. There are different ways to slow it down, and one of the most promising treatments is low-dose atropine eye drops.
 

Understanding Myopia and Why It Progresses

Myopia happens when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurred distance vision. While glasses or contact lenses correct the blur, they don’t stop the eye from continuing to grow, which is why children with myopia often need stronger prescriptions as they get older.
 

Uncontrolled myopia isn’t just about needing thicker glasses. High levels of myopia can increase the risk of more serious eye problems later in life, like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration. That’s why early intervention is so important.
 

How Atropine Drops Work

Atropine drops have been used in eye care for decades, but recent studies have shown that when used in very low doses, they can help slow down myopia progression in children. These drops work by temporarily relaxing the focusing mechanism of the eye, which is believed to reduce the stimulus for excessive eye growth.
 

At Capitol Eye Care Center Optometry, we offer low-dose atropine therapy as part of our myopia management program. These drops are typically applied once a day before bedtime, making them easy to incorporate into a child’s routine.
 

What to Expect with Atropine Treatment

If your child starts atropine therapy, you may notice little to no immediate change in their vision, but over time, the benefits become clear:

• Slower Prescription Changes – Many children who use atropine drops experience a significant reduction in the rate at which their myopia worsens.

• No Major Side Effects – Unlike higher doses of atropine used for other eye conditions, low-dose atropine has minimal side effects. Some children may experience mild light sensitivity or slight difficulty with near vision, but these effects are usually manageable.

• A Customized Approach – Myopia management isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on how your child’s myopia progresses, we may recommend atropine drops alone or in combination with other treatments like Ortho-K or MiSight contact lenses.
   

Taking Action Early Makes a Difference

If you’ve noticed your child’s prescription changing frequently, or if they struggle to see clearly at a distance, it’s worth having their eyes evaluated for myopia management. The earlier we start, the better we can slow progression and help protect their long-term eye health.
 

At Capitol Eye Care Center Optometry, we’re here to help you navigate your child’s myopia journey with the latest research-backed treatments. Visit our office in Fremont, California, or call (510) 791-5272 to schedule an appointment to learn more about how atropine drops could benefit your child’s vision.