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Atropine Eye Drops
Studies on the effectiveness of atropine eye drops (0.5 to 1.0%) in reducing nearsightedness progression started as early as the 70s. Atropine is a non-selective antimuscarinic blocker. It can inhibit excessive growth of sclera and thus reduce or arrest nearsightedness progression. Studies showed that 0.5% and 1.0% atropine eye drops can slow nearsightedness progression by 75% and 80% respectively. However, atropine will cause pupil dilation and inhibit accommodation (zooming of lens to see near things), causing photophobia (light sensitivity) or blurry vision when seeing near objects. Photochromatic and progressive lenses may hence be required in children using atropine eye drops. There were studies which showed that using lower concentration of atropine eyedrops (0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1%) can slow nearsightedness progression with less side effects. Atropine (0.01%) can reduce progression by 60%, but the average increase in pupil diameter or size is only about 1mm and 95% of children do not require progressive lenses for near vision. In recent studies, 0.01%, 0.025% and 0.05% atropine eye drops reduced nearsightedness progression along a concentration-dependent response. All were well tolerated without adverse effect on vision-related quality of life.
In summary, topical atropine can slow down nearsightedness progression in children. However, its application has to be considered on individual basis. Regular monitoring is needed when using the eyedrops.
Can glasses reduce nearsightedness progression?
One of the hypotheses of preventing nearsightedness progression is to control accommodation. The use of progressive lenses is based on this theory. However, the evidence for arresting or preventing nearsightedness progression by progressive lens is very weak and not well established. Newer type of lenses with defocus technology may help to slow down nearsightedness progression. More and longer term studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness.
Can contact lens reduce nearsightedness progression?
Some studies found that there was no difference in nearsightedness progression between children wearing Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lens and those wearing spectacles. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K, OK lens), which was introduced in the 70s, uses flat, rigid contact lenses to decrease the curvature and refractive power of the cornea. Lenses are changed to flatter ones progressively. After the cornea has been sufficiently flattened, retainer lenses are usually worn at night to preserve the modified shape, otherwise the eye will revert back to the original corneal curvature and refraction. Parents must be aware that there are potential risks associated with contact lens wearing, such as corneal abrasion, ulcer and infection, leading to permanent loss of vision.
In summary, topical atropine can slow down nearsightedness progression in children. However, its application has to be considered on individual basis. Regular monitoring is needed when using the eyedrops.
Can glasses reduce nearsightedness progression?
One of the hypotheses of preventing nearsightedness progression is to control accommodation. The use of progressive lenses is based on this theory. However, the evidence for arresting or preventing nearsightedness progression by progressive lens is very weak and not well established. Newer type of lenses with defocus technology may help to slow down nearsightedness progression. More and longer term studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness.
Can contact lens reduce nearsightedness progression?
Some studies found that there was no difference in nearsightedness progression between children wearing Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lens and those wearing spectacles. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K, OK lens), which was introduced in the 70s, uses flat, rigid contact lenses to decrease the curvature and refractive power of the cornea. Lenses are changed to flatter ones progressively. After the cornea has been sufficiently flattened, retainer lenses are usually worn at night to preserve the modified shape, otherwise the eye will revert back to the original corneal curvature and refraction. Parents must be aware that there are potential risks associated with contact lens wearing, such as corneal abrasion, ulcer and infection, leading to permanent loss of vision.
