The use of low dose Atropine eyedrops for childhood myopia

Jay Gill, pharmacist at The Compounding Center interviews Dr. Kevin Chan, the Senior Clinical Director of Treehouse Eyes in Tyson's Corner, VA. Dr. Gill and Dr. Chan discuss childhood myopia and its treatment. Childhood myopia is a condition where the eye shape elongates and causes nearsightedness or blurry vision when looking in the distance. Symptoms include: squinting, rubbing the eyes, blurry vision, and eye strain.
Unfortunately the incidence of childhood myopia is increasing. In 1970, 25% of the population was diagnosed with myopia. By 2050, 50% of population will become myopic. That means 1 in 2 children will need glasses or contacts.
Treatment consists of orthokeratology or contact lenses to help reshape the eye and low dose Atropine eyedrops. Dr. Chan points out that treating early is better. There is a fixed window to be treated for best results.
Dr. Gill explains how low dose Atropine drops are made. Atropine eye drops are commercially manufactured as 1% sterile eyedrops. If a doctor wants to order a low dose for a child's myopia, a compounding pharmacy like TCC dilutes the commercially manufactured drops to the dose needed. These eyedrops must be compounded or made in a sterile environment to avoid any potential for contamination. Once the 1% is diluted, the preservative in the original bottle is also diluted, so the bottle becomes important. Regular eyedrop bottles are open to the air and have the potential for bacterial or fungal contamination once opened. The Compounding Center uses special multi-dose eyedrop bottles designed specifically for preservative free eyedrops. The special one-way valve avoids accidental contamination from the air or from touching the eye or fingers. This is especially important when a child is using an eyedrop every night.
Treehouse Eyes specializes in myopia management for children. More information can be found at treehouseeyes.com/