Can 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops (EIKANCE) be used by children for a long time?

0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops (EIKANCE) is a drug used to control myopia. In recent years, it has received widespread attention in the field of myopia prevention and control in children. The drug's mechanism of action is mainly to slow down the growth of the eye axis by gently relaxing the ciliary muscles of the eyes, thereby slowing down the progression of myopia. It is usually used for children and adolescents aged 4-14 years old, especially those whose myopia progresses quickly.

Regarding whether it can be used for a long time, the first thing to make clear is that 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops are a form of low-concentration atropine, which is much lower than the concentration of conventional atropine eye drops (usually 1% or higher). Low-concentration atropine has fewer side effects than conventional concentrations, so it is clinically considered safe and suitable for long-term use. Studies have shown that side effects such as pupil dilation or blurred near vision are significantly reduced in children and adolescents when low concentrations of atropine are used, making the drug an effective and safe option for long-term use.

However, although the safety of 0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops in long-term use is widely recognized, parents and doctors still need to use it with caution, especially without medical guidance. For children, regular eye examinations are very necessary, especially during the use of atropine eye drops, and you need to pay close attention to any side effects such as excessive pupil dilation or blurred vision. If you notice any discomfort, you should stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice promptly.

The effects of long-term use also vary depending on individual differences. Some children may experience a significant slowdown in the progression of myopia within a few months of starting use, while others may have no significant effect. Therefore, when using such drugs, parents should maintain communication with their ophthalmologists and make timely adjustments based on their children's eye health.

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