Slowing myopia onset

[smithsgj]

We are from the UK and live in Taiwan. Our 10-year old son seems to be a bit short sighted, and the doctor has said that he may need glasses. However, he says that the onset of myopia can be slowed by instilling 2 types of eye drops each day: tropicamide, and neostigmine methylsulfate. We have initially been told to use these medicines for a month.

I have found research indicating the use of atropine, but not of tropicamide, for this purpose, but no conclusive results. For neostigmine methylsulfate, I can only find information about tablets, not eyedrops.

Of course it would be great if our son had some protection against short sight, but will it work, and is it safe?

Thanks


This discussion is related to Re: Tropicamide 0.4% - long-term use for child's myopia?.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

The problem with atropine is the accommodation is paralyzed and he will not be able to read.  Tropicamide will do the same but it only lasts about 3 to 4 hours.

I would not recommend it.  

Dr. O.

[smithsgj]

Thanks.

I guess the 3/4 hours is not a problem, since he can put the drops in before bed. Anything else that prompted you to not recommend?

Also still curious as to what the neostigmine methylsulfate is really for.