What are the functions and side effects of 0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops (EIKANCE)

0.01% atropine sulfate eye drops (EIKANCE) is a low-concentration anticholinergic drug that has been widely used in children and adolescents in recent years to prevent and control myopia. Its mechanism of action is mainly by mildly blocking the M-type choline receptors in the eyes, thereby weakening the regulatory function and reducing the excessive growth rate of the axial length of the eye. Different from traditional high-concentration atropine, low-concentration preparations can inhibit the progression of myopia while minimizing interference with daily life, so they have become the focus of the international ophthalmology community.

In clinical practice,EIKANCE’s main functions are reflected in two aspects: First, it delays the progression of myopia, which is especially suitable for children and adolescents with rapid axial growth; second, it improves the risk of long-term myopia development and reduces the possibility of complications related to high myopia (such as retinopathy, glaucoma) in the future. Since its concentration is only 0.01%, its effect on pupil dilation is very limited, and most children will hardly be significantly affected during daily learning, reading and outdoor activities.

Regarding side effects, although low-concentration atropine is safer, some mild reactions may still occur. For example, some patients may experience transient eye irritation, mild photophobia, or dryness. In rare cases, individual differences may cause the pupils to dilate slightly, causing discomfort in bright light environments. However, compared with1% high-concentration atropine, these side effects are significantly reduced, and most symptoms can subside quickly after stopping the drug. It is worth emphasizing that EIKANCE will hardly affect children's learning efficiency, nor will it significantly change the ability to see objects at close range, which is also an important reason for its wide acceptance.

In general,EIKANCE has a clear role in the prevention and control of myopia, and the risk of side effects is controllable. Parents should follow the doctor's guidance during use, avoid adjusting the dosage or frequency on their own, and pay attention to their children's medication experience

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