Understanding Myopia and Atropine: Your Comprehensive Guide
Myopia, occurs when the eye is longer than it should be. It’s commonly believed that myopia is caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Left untreated, myopic patients are at a higher risk of retinal detachments and glaucoma. Most people know myopia by its most common side effect known as nearsightedness, nearsighted patients have a refractive error that causes difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly. Light rays focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This can be treated with eyeglasses. Myopia needs more advanced intervention or the nearsightedness will continue to get worse as children age into adulthood.
Atropine, a pharmacological agent with anticholinergic properties, has shown remarkable success in treating eye diseases such as amblyopia and uveitis for decades. In amblyopia, atropine eye drops are used to temporarily blur the vision in the stronger eye, encouraging the brain to rely more on the weaker eye and promoting its visual development. In uveitis, atropine is utilized to dilate the pupil, reduce pain, and prevent complications such as iris adhesion to the lens during inflammation. When used properly, in select patients and when compounded to the exact specifications of the prescribing optometrist, research has proved atropine slows the progression of myopia.
Studies show low-concentration atropine eye drops can help reduce the elongation of the eyeball, a common factor in myopia development. By temporarily relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism, atropine shows promise in managing myopia progression, especially in children. But too low of a concentration may yield little to know results. Like any medical condition, The best chances of success in treating your child rests with optometrists trained in myopia management
Dr George Meers at Tacoma Eye at Westgate, Washington has been an Optometrist for over 2 decades. He has been a staff member & faculty member examining patients and participating in research at some of the most prestigious universities for ophthalmology and optometry including; The New England College of optometry, the University of Colorado medical school department of ophthalmology, the University of Auckland department of optometry ( where MiSight lenses were extensively researched). The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami medical school in Miami, Florida. He’s also well-versed and has extensive training in myopia management.
In summary, atropine emerges as a multifaceted tool for optometrists. It offers effective treatment for amblyopia and uveitis while also the ability to slow the progression of myopia. Its ability to target specific physiological processes in the eye underscores its importance in managing a range of ocular conditions, highlighting the ongoing advancements in eye care and treatment options available to patients.