What is Atropine?
Atropine belongs to a class of drugs called mydriatic and cycloplegics, which dilates the pupil of the eye. It is used to treat amblyopia (lazy eye). Atropine contains preservative-free Atropine sulphate eye drops for single use.
How does the treatment help a ‘lazy eye’?
Atropine treats the ‘lazy eye’ by blurring the vision in the good eye, encouraging the ‘lazy eye’ to develop better vision.
How long will my child have to be on Atropine?
Your child will be prescribed Atropine on an individual basis. The overall length of treatment will depend on their progress.
Are there any side effects and what are they?
Your child may complain of blurred vision or be sensitive to bright lights. The pupil may be larger for up to two weeks after using Atropine drops. This is quite normal.
Please see additional leaflet enclosed within Atropine box.
If there are any signs of an allergic reaction such as swollen lids or skin rash, stop treatment and contact the Children’s Eye Department, your family GP or Medicines Information Patient helpline for advice.
Can Atropine be used if my child is unwell?
If your child is unwell for any reason, do not use the drops as this may make your child feel more poorly. Continue treatment on the next treatment day, or if the child is still unwell, contact the Children’s Eye Department for further advice about when to re-start treatment.
How do I use Atropine eye drops?
The drops should be used every Wednesday and Sunday (or two other days as agreed with your Orthoptist) during the day or at night.
If it is the first time using Atropine, put the drops in between 8:30am and 4pm on a Wednesday (or other weekday as agreed with Orthoptist)
- Wash your hands with soap and water before the administration of eye drops.
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid and ask your child to look upwards. If this is difficult, you may want to put the drops in when your child is asleep.
- Put ONE drop into the ___________ eye. Do not use the whole Minim®.
- Replace the cap on the Minim® and throw away the remaining contents.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after administration of eye drops.
- Use every Wednesday and Sunday for the next___________ weeks.
- Your review appointment will be in___________ weeks.
What should I do if I miss the follow up appointment or have it changed by myself or the hospital?
Do not continue using the Atropine drops without seeking advice from the Children’s Eye Clinic.
For further information
Contact details
Children’s Eye Department: 0191 282 4434 (select Option 1) Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays)
Out of hours (after 5pm): Ward 20 on 0191 282 5420
Medicines Information Patient helpline: 0191 282 3016 Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm (excluding bank holidays)
The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) can offer on-the-spot advice and information about the NHS. You can contact them on freephone 0800 032 02 02 or e-mail northoftynepals@nhct.nhs.uk
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk. On this website there is an information prescription generator www.nhs.uk/ips which brings together a wealth of approved patient information from the NHS and charity partners which you may find helpful.
