Is 0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops (EIKANCE) effective in treating astigmatism?

0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops (EIKANCE) is a low-concentration atropine preparation that has received widespread attention in the field of myopia control in recent years. Its main mechanism of action is to slow down the growth rate of children's eye axis by weakening the ciliary muscle regulatory response, thereby delaying the progression of myopia. However, regarding the therapeutic effect of astigmatism, existing research and clinical guidelines point out that low-concentration atropine is not a direct correction drug for astigmatism caused by corneal refractive errors or abnormal lens morphology.

The formation of astigmatism is mainly related to irregular cornea shape, difference in lens curvature or uneven anterior and posterior diameter of the eyeball. These structural factors cannot be directly improved by weakening the ciliary muscle contraction. EIKANCE 0.01% is too mild in pharmacological action to reshape the cornea or lens, and therefore has limited correction effect on refractive astigmatism itself. Clinically, if the astigmatism is mild and combined with myopia prevention and control measures, the patient may obtain indirect benefits in overall visual improvement, but this is more of an improvement in visual comfort brought about by myopia control rather than a direct treatment of astigmatism.

Ophthalmic research also emphasizes that astigmatism correction usually relies on glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery to accurately adjust the focus of light on the retina. Low-concentration atropine has a certain effect in controlling the development of myopia in children, but its role in the treatment of astigmatism lacks clinical evidence to support it. Therefore, when ophthalmologists prescribe EIKANCE, they are mainly targeting axial length control in children with myopia or amblyopia, not astigmatism correction.

In general,EIKANCE 0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops does not have a direct effect on the treatment of astigmatism. Parents and patients should fully understand the indications of the drug before use, and choose an appropriate correction plan according to the severity of astigmatism. At the same time, low-concentration atropine should be used under the guidance of a doctor to control the progression of myopia to optimize the overall visual quality.

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