Can 0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops (EIKANCE) be used by adults? Are there any restrictions?

0.01% Atropine Sulfate Eye Drops (EIKANCE) was initially developed and approved mainly for myopia control in children, especially in preschool and school-age children. Its low concentration is designed to reduce mydriasis and suppression of accommodation, thus reducing the risk of side effects. However, adults can theoretically use it, but there are certain limitations and precautions in practical application.

The main considerations when using low-concentration atropine in adults are ocular accommodation and light sensitivity. Although a concentration of 0.01% has little effect on the near accommodation of adult eyes, it may still cause slight pupil dilation, resulting in glare or reading inconvenience at night or in low-light environments. In addition, the rate of myopia progression in adults is usually much slower than in children, and the necessity and effect of atropine use may not be as significant as in children. Therefore, use in adults is driven more by specific clinical needs than by standard myopia intervention.

Another limiting factor is evidence from clinical studies. Most of the research data on EIKANCE and similar low-concentration atropine come from the pediatric population, and there is a lack of sufficient verification of the effect of myopia control in adults. Therefore, if adults choose to use it, they need to strictly monitor vision changes and eye reactions under the guidance of an ophthalmologist, and evaluate the risks and benefits. Physicians may be more cautious in adult patients with chronic eye disease or risk for glaucoma because mydriasis, although mild, may still have an impact on aqueous outflow or intraocular pressure.

Overall,0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops are theoretically available for adults, but are not suitable as a routine myopia intervention method. Before use, age, myopia progression rate, eye health and daily activity environment should be considered comprehensively, and medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor. Through scientific management, adults can still use it safely under special circumstances, but the expected effect may not be as obvious as that of children.

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