What is Atropine?
Atropine eye drops cause the pupil to dilate and prevent the eye from changing its focus point. Scientific studies have found that these eye drops can slow down the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) when instilled nightly.
Is it new?
Atropine 1% eye drops have been used safely for eye dilation and treating eye conditions for decades and are FDA approved for use in children.
Studies starting as early as 1999 have shown Atropine eye drops to be effective in slowing down myopia progression. More recent studies have shown that a very diluted dosage (0.01%) of atropine is equally as effective and with much less side effects; however, this dosage does not currently have FDA approval.
Is the effect permanent?
Studies show that this treatment slows down a child’s myopia degeneration during the time frame that it is used. This drop is best used when children are not candidates for other methods of myopia control (such as specialty contact lenses). Once the drops are stopped, the eye may continue to change.
Can any doctor prescribe this eye drop and how do we get it filled?
Any doctor interested in myopia stabilization may prescribe this drop in its diluted form. The drops must be diluted from the full strength by a compound pharmacist, licensed to perform this in a sterile environment.
How much does the drop cost? Is it covered by insurance?
Diluted Atropine drops are not covered by insurance. The price varies depending on the pharmacy. Our suggested pharmacies prices range from approximately $700 to $1100 for an entire year supply of the eye drops, although prices may vary.