Arresting Myopia Progression in Children by Atropine Eye Ointment
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People with myopia are 2 times more likely to develop
retinal detachment. ¡@¡@Such figures have major implications for individuals and the community in terms of physical and financial burden. In the United States alone, it is estimated that 5 billion US dollars are spent every year on services and treatments related to myopia. ¡@¡@"Various interventions have previously been used in attempts to arrest progression of myopia including progressive spectacles, conventional rigid gas permeable contact lenses and medications. However, recent studies have shown that atropine therapy is the only available drug/method effective in retarding myopia progression," said Professor Dennis S.C. Lam, Chairman of DOVS of CUHK. ¡@¡@The DOVS of CUHK has conducted a study investigating the safety and efficacy of using atropine eye ointment to reduce or arrest myopia progression in Hong Kong children with moderate to high myopia. The results are very encouraging. "Atropine is a kind of eye drop/ointment that can prevent excessive growth of the sclera, thus causing less elongation of the eye ball," said Dr. Dorothy Fan Shu Ping, Associate Professor of the DOVS of CUHK. "Using 1% Atropine before going to bed, the mean myopic progressions at 1 year were 0¢X and 119¢X for the atropine and control groups respectively; the percentages for no myopic progression in the two groups were 65% and 9% respectively." ¡@¡@Professor Dennis S.C. Lam added, "Although seem relatively safe, atropine therapy may have long-term side effects arising from paralysis of accommodation (leading to pre-senile presbyopia) and pupil dilatation (leading to ultraviolet light damage to the lens and retina). Atropine is worth considering in children at higher risk of developing high myopia, for example, higher degree of myopia at young age, rapid progression of myopia, family history of severe myopia and so on. However, the side effects should be carefully monitored." ¡@¡@The DOVS of CUHK has set up a hotline on "Atropine therapy for arresting myopia progression in children". Parents whose children are 4 years of age or more, with myopia of at least 300¢X and with recent rapid progression can call us for more information. Enquiries can be made to hotline 2637 1343 or fax to 2715 9490. |