Atropine Eye Drops for Occlusion – Treatment of Lazy Eye

Why has my child been prescribed Atropine?
Atropine eye drops are used to improve the vision in an eye with poor sight. This is sometimes known as lazy eye. The drops blur the vision of the better eye which enables the weaker eye to be used so that vision may improve.

What are the effects of Atropine drops?
Atropine dilates the pupil, which makes it larger and also stops the eye focusing properly so that the vision is blurred.

How often should I use the eye drops?
Put one drop of Atropine, every Saturday and Sunday into the better eye.
Your child’s better eye is ………………………………………….. therefore please put one drop of Atropine into this eye.
Continue with the drops until you and your child see the orthoptist at their next appointment.

How long do the effects last?
Atropine will cause blurred vision which can last up to 7 days or more, even when drops are stopped. The pupil may remain dilated for up to 14 days.

Does my child need to wear the glasses at the same time?

Yes, continue wearing the glasses full time whilst using Atropine eye drops.

How should I put the drops in?
– Wash both your own and your child’s hands before and after putting the drops in.
– Gently pull down the lower lid of the better eye.
– Put one drop of the Atropine into the area between the eyeball and the lower lid.
– Press gently on the inner corner of the eye for one minute to avoid the solution draining away into the nose.
– It may be easier to put the eye drop in while your child is asleep.

It is important that all appointments are attended when using atropine drops.
The drops must be stopped if an appointment is missed.

Are there any side effects?
– It will make the dilated eye sensitive to bright light – wearing a sunhat may help.

– The child may feel a little discomfort when initially used.

– If your child’s eyes become red and sore this may be an allergic reaction and you should stop the treatment and seek medical advice.

– The squint may swap eyes.

– General symptoms such as a dry mouth, flushed appearance, dry skin/rash, nausea/vomiting and constipation may also occur.

These symptoms are rare, however if they do occur you should:
– Stop the treatment immediately.
– Seek medical advice. Either contact the Orthoptic Department on 01274 364175 or 01274 382698 or alternatively contact your GP.

Further Information
– Warning: Atropine is poisonous if taken orally, please store safely.
– Do not use Atropine that is past its expiry date.
– Do not use Atropine if the bottle has been opened for four weeks.
– Store the Atropine upright in a dry place below 25^oC and away from direct sunlight.

Contact Information
The Orthoptic Department, Eye Outpatients Department, Bradford Royal Infirmary, Duckworth Lane, Bradford, BD9 6RJ
If there are any concerns or enquires please contact:
The Orthoptic Department on 01274 364175 or 01274 382698 Monday – Friday between 9.00am and 4.30pm except Bank Holidays