Atropine Therapy Richmond
Effective Myopia Control for Children
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia (also called nearsightedness), you're not alone. Myopia is becoming more common in kids, and without treatment, it often gets worse as they grow. At Richmond Eye Experts, Dr. Chettiparampil and Dr. Sales offer a proven solution: low-dose atropine eye drops to help slow the progression of nearsightedness in children.
This treatment is especially helpful for younger children who aren’t ready for other options like Ortho-K (overnight corrective lenses). Our team is here to guide you through every step of child myopia treatment and answer any questions you have.
Why Do Parents Trust Richmond Eye Experts for Myopia Control?
- Accepting patients as young as 5 years old
- Experienced and compassionate eye doctors
- Evening and weekend appointment options available
- Specialized in pediatric eye care and myopia management
What is Atropine Therapy for Myopia Control?
Atropine eye drops can potentially be used to address a variety of eye conditions. When applied to the eyes, they cause the pupils to dilate, and they inhibit the eyes’ ability to focus. Studies have found that an appropriate dosage of atropine eye drops can slow down the rate at which myopia progresses. Said dosage can range from 0.5% to 0.01% depending on the patient.
It should be noted that atropine therapy slows down myopia progression while it is being used. As such, the progression will continue once your child stops receiving the eye drops.
Why is Myopia Control So Important?
Myopia control in children is about more than just avoiding thicker glasses. Higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment later in life.
In the short term, clear vision supports your child’s learning, sports participation, and confidence. Managing nearsightedness early with a non-invasive option like atropine eye drops can make a big difference in their long-term eye health.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Atropine eye drops are considered very safe when used in low doses. Some children may have mild side effects like light sensitivity or difficulty focusing on things up close, such as books or screens. Headaches are less common but can occur.
If your child experiences any discomfort, give us a call. We’ll work with you to adjust the treatment or recommend other options if needed.
Is Atropine Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Simply put, atropine therapy for myopia typically isn’t covered by medical or vision insurance. As such, it’s important to make sure that you have a clear idea of what you can expect to pay for the treatment before you commit to it. The exact cost of atropine can vary depending on which pharmacy you go to. Our team will be more than happy to discuss the financial aspect of atropine therapy with you so that you can make a decision that’s right for your child and your budget.