Atropine sulfate is a "miracle drug for myopia"? Experts suggest that caution should be exercised when using it
Recently, a newly approved low-concentration atropine sulfate eye drops have attracted attention, and has even been called "myopia miracle drug" by some netizens. Ophthalmology experts suggest that the use of atropine sulfate eye drops should be cautious and should be used scientifically under the guidance of a doctor.
"Atropine sulfate itself is not a new drug, but a very common 'old' drug. Wei Xin, associate professor of ophthalmology at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, introduced that atropine sulfate can relax the ciliary muscle in the eye and dilate the pupil at the same time, which is often used for ophthalmic dilated optometry.
The approved eye drops this time are low-concentration atropine sulfate eye drops with a concentration of 0.01%. According to its official instructions, the eye drops can be used to delay the progression of myopia in children aged 6 to 12 years with a spherical power of -1.00D to -4.00D (astigmatism ≤ 1.50D, anisometropia ≤1.50D).
Yi Junhui, deputy chief physician of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, said that the current mechanism of atropine sulfate eye drops to delay the progression of myopia is not completely clear, and according to existing studies and animal experiments, it may be achieved by stimulating dopamine secretion and increasing choroidal blood supply. When dopamine levels increase, the axial growth of the eye will be relatively slow, thus delaying the progression of myopia.
"The adverse effects of atropine sulfate are related to the concentration, and the lower the concentration, the smaller the ocular and systemic adverse reactions. Yi Junhui said that although the side effects of low-concentration atropine sulfate have been reduced, it does not mean that there are no side effects at all.
Li Haili, chief physician of the Department of Ophthalmology of Peking University First Hospital, said that studies have shown that although low-concentration atropine sulfate eye drops can delay the development of myopia to a certain extent, it cannot "reverse myopia" and is not a "miracle drug for myopia".
Li Haili reminded that low-concentration atropine sulfate eye drops need to be used scientifically under the guidance of doctors, and adverse reactions and safety after medication need to be monitored. It is not recommended to use atropine sulfate eye drops to prevent myopia for children who do not have myopia, and it is recommended to prevent myopia by maintaining good eye habits and increasing outdoor activities during the day.
Source: Changjiang Cloud New Media, Xinhua News Agency Editor: Wang Jian Editor: Huang Li Final Review: Lu Hanping
Producer: Xiaogan Radio and Television Station