Can 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops be used for a long time? Will there be any adverse effects from long-term use?

0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops (EIKANCE) is a low-concentration atropine preparation used to delay the progression of myopia and is suitable for children and adolescents. Due to its low-concentration design, it has relatively fewer side effects than high-concentration atropine (such as 0.5% or 1%), so it can be used for a long time under the guidance of a doctor. However, long-term use still requires regular evaluation of eye health to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

Long-term use of 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops may cause certain adverse reactions, such as temporary photophobia, mild near vision difficulty, or eye irritation. However, these side effects are usually mild and tolerated by most patients. Compared with high-concentration atropine, 0.01% concentration eye drops have less effect on pupil dilation and accommodation paralysis, so its interference with daily learning and life is relatively low. However, there are still some patients who may need to adjust their medication regimen due to dry eyes or difficulty adapting.

Although 0.01% atropine sulfate is considered safe for long-term use, regular reexamination is still required. It is usually recommended that an ophthalmologist evaluate axial length, refractive changes, and drug tolerance every 3 to 6 months. If myopia continues to progress rapidly during long-term use, the doctor may adjust the dose or perform a comprehensive intervention combined with other methods (such as orthokeratology lenses). In addition, for some patients who are sensitive to atropine, long-term use may increase ocular surface discomfort and even induce allergic reactions. In this case, the drug should be discontinued in time and a doctor should be consulted.
Generally speaking, 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops can be used for a long time under the guidance of a doctor, but not all patients are suitable for long-term use. Parents should pay close attention to their children's medication reactions and vision changes, and review them regularly to ensure the safety of medication use. If there is obvious discomfort or poor results, you should communicate with your doctor in time to adjust the treatment plan to avoid unnecessary side effects or delay the best time for myopia prevention and control.
Reference: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/e/EikanceEyeDrops.pdf