Can I stop using 0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops (EIKANCE) once I use it?

Many parents are worried that once children start using 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops ( EIKANCE), whether it means they must continue to take the medication for a long time. In fact, 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops are not irreversible, but require individualized evaluation by a professional ophthalmologist. The role of atropine in controlling myopia is to inhibit excessive axial growth. After stopping the drug, the axial length of some children may continue to grow, but this is a natural growth process and is not a drug dependence or irreversible change.

In clinical practice, doctors will decide whether to continue using the drug, adjust the concentration or gradually discontinue the drug based on the child's age, myopia progression rate, axial length and previous medication. Usually in late adolescence or when the axial growth slows down, you can consider stopping the drug or extending the interval between eye drops, while maintaining regular review. The decision to discontinue medication must be guided by a professional doctor. Parents should not interrupt medication on their own to avoid affecting the effect of myopia control or missing the best intervention window.

After stopping the drug, children can still maintain their vision health through scientific eye care and lifestyle intervention, such as increasing time for outdoor activities, maintaining a reasonable reading distance, and controlling the time spent on electronic screens. The low concentration0.01% atropine is designed to ensure that after short-term or long-term use, even if the drug is discontinued, it will have little impact on the eye structure and usually will not cause irreversible damage.

At the same time, myopia management after drug withdrawal still needs to be scientific. Doctors may arrange periodic reexaminations based on monitoring results to assess whether accelerated axial growth occurs and take timely intervention measures. 0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops emphasizes the concept of dynamic management. Through scientific use and timely discontinuation of the drug, children can maintain healthy vision and quality of life while controlling the progression of myopia.

Reference materials:https://www.eikance.com.au/