Atropine eye drops
For me, I would, without a thought start low dose atropine drops for my child if he should be myopic -Dr Cheryl Lee
Atropine Eye Drops for Myopia Control in Children & Teens
Why Myopia Needs More Than Just Glasses
Myopia (short-sightedness) is not just about needing stronger glasses each year. As the eyeball elongates, the risk of serious complications later in life—such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy—increases. Early and effective intervention is key.
What Are Atropine Eye Drops & How Do They Work
Atropine is a medication that, in low concentrations, has been shown in multiple clinical studies to slow the progression of myopia in children. Rather than reshaping the cornea (as orthokeratology does) or changing optical input (as some specialized lenses do), atropine acts on the eye’s growth mechanism. At The EyeClinic by Dr Cheryl Lee, we typically start with very low doses (e.g. 0.01 %) to minimize side effects while retaining efficacy. The Eyeclinic by Dr Cheryl Lee
These drops help strengthen the scleral wall of the eyeball, helping it resist further elongation, thereby slowing the worsening of myopia. The Eyeclinic by Dr Cheryl Lee
What to Expect: Benefits & Limitations
Comfort & ease of use: Patients usually report that the drops feel like water—no stinging or discomfort. Some formulations are preservative-free.
Complementary to glasses: Atropine does not reshape the cornea, so children still wear glasses for clear vision.
Minimal side effects at low dose: At 0.01 %, side effects such as dilated pupils or needing reading glasses are rare.
Long-term use: The therapy works while the eye is still growing. Once myopia stabilizes, the drops may be gradually tapered.
Avoid abrupt cessation: Stopping suddenly can lead to rebound progression. A gradual tapering protocol is safer.
Why You Shouldn’t Self-Medicate
Atropine is a prescription medication. Using it without proper supervision is risky for several reasons:
The dose may be wrong or ineffective.
You may miss signs that it’s not working—delaying better interventions.
Stability: once opened, the drop bottle loses potency after about one month. Discard the bottle after one month, even if there is some left.
Why Choose The EyeClinic by Dr Cheryl Lee
At The EyeClinic, we don’t just prescribe atropine—we monitor, adjust, and tailor the treatment. If the eye doesn’t respond, we combine with other proven myopia control methods.
Dr Cheryl Lee brings specialist expertise in myopia control, ensuring each child’s program is optimized for efficacy and safety
Would I start my own child on atropine?
I get asked this question a lot. Mark is checked every three months for myopia ever since he was four years old and should he be myopic, I would without a doubt start him on it. It’s easy to instil the drops. The side effects of myopia is way higher than any side effect of atropine eye drops. I also have many tricks up my sleeve to teach you on how to manage your child’s eye habits which have worked on my son.
Key points about Myopia
It is controllable (safe and easy, multiple methods)
It is worth controlling (the higher the myopia, the higher the risk of blindness)
It is irreversible (start as soon as possible , time is of essence)