Using low concentrations of atropine can slow down the elongation of the eyeball that causes this vision problem, hence slowing down its development<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Spain, almost 20% of children between the ages of five and seven are myopic, a prevalence that could rise to 30% by 2030, according to different estimates.\u00a0Although childhood myopia<\/u><\/a> still has no cure, it is currently possible to halt its development through several treatments that have proven to be effective during childhood.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most widespread therapeutic option is based on low concentrations of atropine eye drops to slow down the elongation of the eyeball, which causes this vision problem.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myopia affects distant visual acuity, causing blurred vision of distant objects.\u00a0Moreover, this refractive problem can lead to altered ocular structures and an increased risk of complications, such as retinal problems, cataract and glaucoma, in cases where myopia exceeds 6\u00a0dioptres and becomes myopia magna<\/u><\/a> (high myopia).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr Mar\u00eda Santiago Varela<\/u><\/a>, a specialist in paediatric ophthalmology at Miranza Instituto G\u00f3mez-Ulla<\/u><\/a>, stresses the importance of diagnosing and treating children with myopia in order to delay or avoid the progression of this vision problem, prevent complications that may be associated with high myopia and improve the quality of vision in children.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for treatment with atropine eye drops, the specialist explains that “this approach consists in applying one drop every night at bedtime for a long period of time \u2013 even for years \u2013, with the aim of slowing down the progression of myopia”.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nBeyond eyeglass correction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n