Atropine Eye Drops

A promising treatment for childhood near-sightedness (myopia) is welcome news at a time when more and more children are being diagnosed with Myopia. The effectiveness of a low dose (0.01 percent concentration) on childhood myopia was discovered almost accidently by researchers in Singapore who were studying side effects of larger doses. A control group given the very low dose had less progression of myopia.

Optometrists and Ophthalmologists aren’t certain why a tiny bit of atropine seems to hold back myopia, but the hypothesis is that it binds to certain growth receptors in the eyes, blocking stimulation that prompts the condition.

Word is getting out among eye care providers about this treatment, especially as many countries, including the United States, are seeing skyrocketing childhood myopia rates. The largest increases are in Asian countries, but the phenomenon is global.

In the U.S., 40 percent of kids have myopia today, compared with 20 percent just 30 years ago. In many Asian countries, up to 90 percent of kids are myopic.

While there’s a clear genetic link for myopia, and it runs in families, the recent surge isn’t completely understood. Several studies suggest that the way kids play now is a culprit.

Research shows that kids who are exposed to less outdoor daylight in early childhood are more likely to become myopic. The hypothesis is that kids today are getting less exposure to natural light, spending more indoor time with computers, TVs and smartphones. More study is needed, says Dr. K. David Epley, MD, who has been following the research by the Singaporean team of childhood myopia experts.

In USA, you can expert to see the following Brand Name of this medicine at your local pharmacy stores: