How we may be able to slow myopia development and progression in children in the near future using Atropine

How we may be able to use low dose Atropine to slow myopia development and progression in children in the near future

In the near future, we hope to provide medical treatment for myopia in children at Clinica London, using Atropine to slow myopia development and progression. Studies on the use of eye drops that will influence the retina of your child and slow down myopia are just reaching completion internationally, and we are awaiting the go-ahead so that we can use the correct formulation of eye drops.
Children’s myopia is a really hot topic among parents and eye doctors, but the treatment with eye drops is not yet available in Europe. Unfortunately, there is no marketing authorisation yet for such a product in the EU, so it is an Investigational Medical Product at the moment.
The currently available formulations of Atropine 0.01 per cent eye drops have a pH of 4, and the patient must use them for two years;  therefore there is a risk of the treatment causing as yet undetermined ocular surface problems. There is a lot of research that is taking place, and great efforts are being made to find a non-acidic stable formulation.
The children’s ophthalmologist at Clinica London will discuss the treatment options with parents and advise them about the correct glasses and environmental factors that may help their myopic child.
If you want to know more about the studies on childhood myopia, please read the next blog.