Atropine Q&A

ATROPINE DROPS

  1. What is atropine?

Atropine eye drops were previously used for safely treating childhood eye conditions such as lazy eye. Recent scientific studies have found that when diluted atropine drops are instilled nightly, myopia progression can be slowed or stopped.

  1. Is it new?

Atropine eye drops have been used to dilate patient's eyes for decades; however, it is not FDA-approved in its diluted form to treat myopia progression.

  1. Is the effect permanent?

Studies show that this treatment slows down a child's myopia degeneration for 1-2 years. I use this drop when children are too immature to wear orthokeratology molds. This seems to slow down the determination of our children's eyesight. Diluted atropine drops allow the parents and doctors time, but it is not a permanent solution.

  1. Can Dr. Moller prescribe this eye drop, and how do we get it filled?

Absolutely Dr. Moller may prescribe this drop in its diluted form. The drops must be diluted from the full strength by a licensed compound pharmacist and performed in a sterile environment. Pharmacy compounding is an established tradition which allows a pharmacist to prescribe a very specific medication, prepared by a pharmacist, for a patient's individual needs.

  1. How much does the drop cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Diluted atropine drops are NOT covered by insurance and can cost $______  per bottle. Usually each bottle is a 1-month supply.