How does atropine work in controlling myopia progression?

Doctor's Answers 1

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Dr Harold Choi

Ophthalmologist

According to this study, if one uses 1.0% eye drops daily over a period of 24 months, the progression of myopia can be slowed by 77% [1]. The atropine eye drops dilate the pupils and temporarily paralyzes the focusing muscle. Hence, it relaxes the eye's focusing mechanisms.

With that, there are currently 2 theories to explain this.

Firstly, the atropine may act on some retinal receptors to inhibit eyeball elongation. The other theory is that it possibly acts on scleral fibroblasts by inhibiting glycosaminoglycans synthesis, and so prevents eyeball elongation.

References:

1. Galvis V, Tello A, Parra MM, et al. Topical Atropine in the Control of Myopia. Medical hypothesis, discovery & innovation ophthalmology journal. 2016;5(3):78-88. Accessed April 1, 2020.

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Is Atropine 0.01% for myopia licensed in Singapore?

Yes, atropine 0. 01% is indeed licensed and legal in Singapore, and dispensed by private and public eye centres, such as the Singapore National Eye Centre. Do note that it is NOT used to TREAT myopia, ie it cannot REVERSE myopia. It’s purpose is to PREVENT the worsening of myopia in children, typically from the ages of 6 – 12 years old. The reason why it’s not available in other countries, is likely because Singapore was one of the first countries to demonstrate that very low dose atropine (0. 01%, as opposed to 0.

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