Atropine Eye Drops

Atropine sulfate is an anticholinergic medication that has been used in ophthalmology for over a century. It works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on the muscarinic receptors in the eye, causing the pupil to dilate (mydriasis) and temporarily paralyzing the focusing muscle (cycloplegia).

Atropine 1% eye drops are used for:

• Dilating the pupil for eye examinations
• Treating uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
• Preventing and treating posterior synechiae (adhesions)
• Managing amblyopia (lazy eye) — penalizing the stronger eye

Low-dose atropine has emerged as a promising treatment for slowing the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. The LAMP study (Lam et al., 2019) demonstrated that low concentrations of atropine can effectively slow myopia progression with minimal side effects.

Available concentrations include 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.05%. Your eye care professional will determine the appropriate concentration based on your child's needs.

At these low concentrations, atropine causes minimal pupil dilation and near-vision blur, making it well-tolerated for daily use in children.

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. Tilt your head back and look up
3. Gently pull down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket
4. Hold the dropper above the eye and squeeze one drop into the pocket
5. Close your eye gently for 1–2 minutes
6. Press lightly on the inner corner of your eye (near the nose) to prevent the drop from draining
7. Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface

For myopia control, drops are typically administered once daily at bedtime.

Low-dose (0.01%–0.05%):

• Mild light sensitivity (minimal at low concentrations)
• Slight near-vision blur (usually insignificant)

Standard dose (1%):

• Significant pupil dilation lasting 7–14 days
• Loss of near focusing for 1–2 weeks
• Light sensitivity
• Stinging on application

Contact your eye care professional if you experience any unexpected side effects.

Beyond-use date (BUD): 48 hours at room temperature, 14 days refrigerated (2–8°C), or 45 days frozen.

• Store in the refrigerator (2–8°C) unless otherwise directed
• Protect from light
• Do not use past the beyond-use date on the label
• Do not use if the solution appears cloudy or discolored