What are the pharmacological effects of 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops? By what mechanism does it improve vision?

0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops (EIKANCE) is a low-concentration atropine solution primarily used to control the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. Its pharmacological effects mainly rely on the properties of atropine as an M-type choline receptor antagonist, which can affect the physiological functions of the ciliary muscles and eyes, thereby slowing down the excessive growth of the eye axis and thus delaying the progression of myopia.

Atropine blocks the M1 and M3 muscarinic receptors on the ciliary muscle, thereby reducing ciliary muscle contraction. This effect reduces accommodative tension, making the eyes less burdened during close work such as reading, thereby reducing visual fatigue associated with myopia progression. In addition, the effects of atropine may also affect scleral cells, reducing their proliferation and stretching, thus controlling the growth of axial length.

Although the specific mechanism of action of atropine is not yet fully understood, studies have shown that low-concentration atropine (such as 0.01%) can reduce the progression of myopia while minimizing the adverse reactions that may be caused by high-concentration atropine (such as 1%), such as photophobia, accommodation disorders, and mydriasis. Therefore, 0.01%Atropine sulfate eye drops are considered to be one of the safer and more effective means of controlling myopia.

After long-term use0.01%Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops, the patient's axial growth rate will usually slow down, thereby reducing the risk of high myopia and its related complications (such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, etc.). However, due to individual differences, the specific efficacy varies from person to person, so it is recommended that patients use it under the guidance of a doctor and conduct regular vision and eye health examinations to ensure the best treatment effect.

Reference materials:https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/e/EikanceEyeDrops.pdf