On March 11, 2024, the State Food and Drug Administration issued information on the delivery of drug approval documents, showing that the atropine sulfate eye drops produced by Shenyang Xingqi Ophthalmic Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. had been approved for marketing on March 5.
Atropine sulfate eye drops are not new in their own right, but they relax the ciliary muscles in the eye while dilating the pupils, and atropine eye drops at a concentration of 1% are often used in ophthalmic refraction. The approved eye drops this time are low-concentration atropine sulfate eye drops with a concentration of 0.01%. The approved clinical indication is for delaying the progression of myopia in children aged 6 to 12 years with spherical power of -1.00D to -4.00D (astigmatism ≤ 1.50D and anisometropia ≤1.50D). This is the first officially approved drug in China to delay the progression of myopia in adolescents.
Low-concentration atropine eye drops were once sold in the form of in-hospital preparations and Internet hospitals, and were once sought after by parents, and were even called "myopia miracle medicine". The approval of the drug for marketing in China has attracted the attention of many parents. So is this "miracle drug for myopia" really effective? How to use it? Are there any contraindications? So today let's talk about the prevention and control of myopia with low-concentration atropine eye drops.
Do low-concentration atropine eye drops really work?
So far, atropine eye drops are still the only drug that has been proven to be effective in delaying the progression of myopia. Moreover, the prevention and control effect of myopia is concentration-dependent, and high-concentration atropine has a better effect on myopia prevention and control, but the adverse reactions are more serious. In order to take into account its effectiveness and safety, it has been confirmed by a number of studies that 0.01% atropine eye drops have a good effect of delaying the progression of myopia, with the least adverse reactions and the lowest rebound effect, which is a reasonable concentration for delaying the progression of myopia in children and adolescents at this stage.
However, parents should be aware that true myopia is irreversible once it appears. Low-concentration atropine eye drops are one method used to control myopia growth, but it does not cure myopia.
How to use low-concentration atropine eye drops?
1 drop at a time, 1 time a day, into the conjunctival sac before bedtime. Use under the guidance of an ophthalmologist. Immediately after eye spotting, the lacrimal sac should be compressed for 2-3 minutes to reduce systemic absorption of the drug.
Are low-concentration atropine eye drops suitable for all children with myopia?
01. Adverse reactions
The main adverse reactions of low-concentration atropine are: mydriasis, photophobia and increased intraocular pressure, decreased accommodative ability and near vision, allergic reactions, and irritant reactions.
02. Contraindications
Glaucoma or glaucoma tendency, allergy to scopoles are contraindicated.
It is forbidden for people with head injury and heart disease.
03, Prudence
Patients with low modulation and hypopigmentation (such as albinism) should be used with caution.
Some eye diseases with photophobia, such as keratitis, may be used after recovery.
Low-concentration atropine sulfate eye drops need to be used scientifically under the guidance of a doctor, and at the same time, it is necessary to monitor the adverse reactions and safety after medication, and once serious adverse reactions are found, the drug should be stopped in time.
Is it good to use low-concentration atropine eye drops?
Of course not, the prevention and control of myopia does not mainly rely on drugs, but on healthy eye habits and appropriate outdoor activities.
01. Pay attention to nutrition
Eat more calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B2, B1 and C, eat more foods such as carrots, tomatoes, bean sprouts, oranges, grapes, etc., and eat less sweets.
02. Pay attention to the time you spend with your eyes
Control the time you use your eyes, and after each eye use, you should stop, close your eyes, rest for a while, or look at the distant scenery, which can allow the ciliary muscles to adjust vision to rest and recover from visual fatigue as soon as possible.
03. Pay attention to eye care
Do eye exercises, 1 time in the morning and 1 time in the afternoon every day, and make sure that the acupuncture points are correct and the operation is standardized.
04. Pay attention to your eye posture
When reading and writing, the sitting posture should be correct, adhere to the principles of "one foot", "one fist" and "one inch", and the height of the table and stool should be appropriate.
04. Watch less TV and play less electronics
Television is a direct light source that can stimulate the eyes more. Children should watch TV and play with electronic products for ≤ 20 minutes, and they should pay attention to rest and get enough sleep.
05. Actively participate in outdoor physical exercise
Don't stay in your room all the time, go for a walk outside, look at the vistas, climb a mountain, play ball, run, swim, etc., all of which are ways to reduce eye fatigue.
Pharmacist Reminder:
Drugs have indications, and the so-called "miracle drug" is not suitable for everyone, and not everyone can achieve good results. Parents must take their children to a professional hospital for examination and medication according to the doctor's instructions, and have regular check-ups.
Reviewer: An Wei, deputy chief pharmacist of the Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province
Author: Zhong Ting, The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province