Will long-term use of 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops cause eye discomfort?

Atropine Sulfate 0.01% eye drops (EIKANCE, Atropine Sulfate 0.01%) is mainly used to control the progression of myopia, especially in children and adolescents. Due to its low concentration, it is relatively safe for long-term use, but it may also cause some uncomfortable symptoms. The main function of atropine is to reduce the adjustment function of the eyes by inhibiting the ciliary muscles of the eyes, thereby slowing down the progression of myopia. However, this effect may also lead to some side effects, especially with long-term use.

Prolonged use of atropine eye drops may cause dryness of the eyes. Because atropine inhibits the eye's accommodation function, this may lead to a weakening of the eye's self-lubricating mechanism, resulting in eye discomfort. Especially for some sensitive people, eye discomfort, dryness or foreign body sensation may occur.

The use of atropine eye drops may cause the pupils to dilate (mydriasis). Although low-concentration 0.01%atropine eye drops have a relatively mild effect on pupil dilation, long-term use may still cause mild pupil dilation. Enlarged pupils make the eyes more sensitive to light, which may cause photophobia in bright environments, and the patient may feel uncomfortable. For children or teenagers who often need to be active outdoors, they may have an allergic reaction to natural light or feel discomfort after long-term use.

Although the side effects of 0.01% atropine eye drops are relatively mild, other adverse reactions, such as increased intraocular pressure, may occur in some individuals. Although this condition is rare, in patients with poor eye health, intraocular pressure needs to be monitored regularly to ensure safety.

To sum up, long-term use of0.01%atropine sulfate eye drops may indeed cause some eye discomfort, such as dry eyes, photophobia, foreign body sensation, etc., but these side effects are usually mild. To ensure eye health, follow your doctor's advice when using it and conduct regular eye examinations so that potential problems can be detected and treated promptly.

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