The prevalence of myopia has significantly increased in one generation. In the US, 40% of kids have myopia today, compared with 20% just 30 years ago, while the number in the UK has doubled in the last 50 years. Up to 90% of the children in many Asian countries have myopia.

The Strength of Atropine Eye Drops Today

Nearsightedness (myopia) in children is usually diagnosed between 5 and 7 years old. It is important to recognize if your child is having problems with seeing at distances as early as possible so they may have access to a therapy that can slow the progression of the condition.

Children with nearsightedness may be able to slow progression with the use of low-dose (concentration) atropine eye drops.

The strengths are usually 0.01%, 0.025%, or 0.05%, which are much lower than the commercially available eye drop strength of 1% that you would get at a traditional pharmacy.

Town & Country Compounding is able to compound the lower-strength eye drop that is needed for children with this condition.

David Epley, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist in Kirkland, WA, reports that for approximately 90% of his patients, the rate of myopia progression decreases or slows by about half — with most kids experiencing no side effects. He notes that the sooner treatment begins, the better the outcomes.

Why Is It Important to Recognize Myopia as Early as Possible?

Myopia is a risk factor for myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, cataract, and glaucoma in adult life, and the risk increases with the degree of myopia. Those conditions are a lot harder to address than trying to slow the progression of the myopia.

Podcast: Atropine, Engaging with Science and Responsible Practice with Prof. Karla Zadnik (June 29, 2020). Listen here »

Which Low-Dose Concentration Is the Best?

The LAMP study (Two-Year Clinical Trial of the Low-Concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression) compared the efficacy and safety of 0.05%, 0.025%, and 0.01% atropine eye drops over two years to determine the optimal concentration.

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Why Would a Sterile Compounded Prescription Be Needed?

Certain drugs, combinations of drugs, concentrations of drugs, or specific dosage forms that the patient needs may not be commercially available at a traditional retail pharmacy.

For example: if your child has myopia and your doctor has prescribed atropine eye drops at a 0.01% concentration, your local retail pharmacy may not carry that strength. You will need a sterile compounding pharmacy to provide the prescription at the concentration your child needs.

Learn More: Sterile Prescriptions →