Allergic reactions to atropine eye drops for retardation of progressive myopia in children
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Published on: March 27, 2012
Mihir Kothari1, Rishika Jain2, Nitu Khadse2
1Department of Pediatric Clinical Optics and Refraction, Jyotirmay Eye Clinic and Ocular Motility Laboratory, Thane; Department of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Mahatme Eye Bank and Eye Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India.
Insights
Ocular allergy to atropine eye drops can occur in children, presenting as itching and burning. Promptly stopping the drops can reverse symptoms, and reintroduction may be possible.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Allergy
Background:
- Atropine eye drops are used to slow myopia progression in children.
- Ocular allergies can be a side effect of topical medications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical features of ocular allergy to atropine eye drops in pediatric myopia management.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients experiencing ocular allergy symptoms while using atropine eye drops.
- Evaluation of allergy onset, severity, symptoms, signs, and response to treatment.
Main Results:
- Six children (ages 5-15) developed allergy to atropine (1% or 0.01%).
- Symptoms included itching and burning; signs included lid swelling and hyperemia.
- Allergic reactions resolved upon discontinuation and were manageable upon reintroduction in some cases.
Conclusions:
- Children can develop atropine eye drop allergy weeks to years after starting treatment.
- Discontinuation and careful reintroduction of atropine may allow continued myopia control therapy.
Purpose:
To report clinical manifestations of ocular allergy to atropine eye drops used for retardation of progressive myopia in children.
Methods:
Myopic children, who developed bothersome itching that subsided promptly after cessation of atropine eye drops, were included. History of systemic or ocular allergy, preexisting ocular conditions, and clinical features of allergy were noted.
Results:
Six children, age 5-15 years, were included. Four developed allergy to 1% atropine sulfate eye drops and two to 0.01% concentration of atropine sulfate. The onset of allergy was within a month to as late as 4 years after using atropine eye drops. The severity of allergy was higher with 1% concentration. The most common symptoms of atropine allergy were itching and burning. The most common signs were lid swelling and hyperemia. The allergic manifestations promptly reversed with the stoppage of eye drops. Reintroduction was possible in three patients, either by reducing the concentration of atropine or using benzalkonium free formulation.
Conclusion:
Allergy to atropine eye drops in children may develop within a few weeks or after many years of usage. Prompt cessation followed by a reintroduction and continuation of therapy may be possible in few patients.
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