If your child's spectacle power goes up every year, you have probably heard about atropine eye drops. Low-dose atropine is one of the most discussed ways of slowing myopia (short-sightedness) in children, and India now has an approved product made for this purpose. This guide explains what the approval covers and how to think about the drops for your own child.
What was approved in India
India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) granted marketing authorisation to a 0.05% atropine sulfate eye drop for slowing myopia in children aged 6 to 12. According to the published report, the approval rested on a randomised, double-blind trial of 190 children at 11 sites in India over 12 months. It was announced in April 2025, and the drops are available only on prescription.
What the drops can and cannot do
- They aim to slow progression. The goal is a lower final power in adulthood, because higher myopia carries more risk of retinal and other eye problems later in life.
- They do not reverse power. Your child will still need glasses, and the existing number will not disappear.
- They do not work equally for everyone. Evidence varies by concentration. A recent review of randomised trials describes the short-term benefit of the very lowest 0.01% strength as uncertain, which is one reason an eye doctor should choose and monitor treatment.
Possible side effects
Atropine widens the pupil and relaxes focusing. Some children notice glare in bright light or slight difficulty with close work, especially at higher strengths. Tell your doctor if your child struggles with reading or complains about light, as the plan may need to change.
Questions to ask your eye doctor
- How fast has my child's power changed over the last year?
- Is my child a suitable candidate, and at what strength?
- How often should we return, and how will we know if it is working?
- How long is treatment likely to last, and how should it be stopped?
Habits still matter
Daily outdoor time, regular breaks from close-up work and up-to-date glasses remain the foundation of myopia care. Please do not buy or use atropine drops without a prescription. Our guide to myopia in children covers the early signs to watch for, and a comprehensive eye examination is the right starting point.
Getting checked in Andheri West
Divyajyoti Eye Hospital is at Jyoti Apartment, Ground Floor, opposite the 7 Bungalows Bus Depot, J.P. Road, Andheri (West), Mumbai 400053. The OPD runs Monday to Saturday, 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and is closed on Sunday. Call +91-7777018301 or +91-88505 65588, or send an enquiry through our contact page.