Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Keep all medicines out of the reach of children
Warning : Atropine is poisonous if taken internally
Why has my child been prescribed atropine?
Atropine has been prescribed to enable an eye care specialist to check the back of you child's eyes and to determine if glasses are required.
Atropine can also be prescribed as a treatment for amblyopia (reduced vision), as an alternative to patching.
Atropine drops / ointment may be used when:
- A child has particularly dark irises (the colored part of the eye).
- A child's eyes have failed to dilate sufficiently with cyclopentolate drops.
- Attempts at conservative patching have been unsuccessful.
What are the effects of atropine?
Atropine has two effects when instilled in the eyes:
- Dilates the pupil - make the black part of the eye larger).
- Stops the eye from focusing properly - blurring the child's vision temporarily.
How long will my child's vision be blurred for?
The blurred vision may last for 7 days or more after using it, the pupils may also remain dilated for up to 14 days.
When should I start using the eye drops?
For use before an appointment to see the doctor:
- 2 days before
- One drop to each eye in the morning.
- 1 day before
- One drop to each eye in the morning.
- On the day of the appointment
- One drop to each eye in the morning.
For use as atropine occlusion:
- Please instill one drop into the right or left eye once every wednesday and sunday only.
How should I instill the atropine drops?
- Gently pull down the lower eyelid of one eye with your finger.
- Instill one drop of atropine or squeeze a little ointment (about the size of a match head) into the area between the eyeball and the lower eyelid.
- Release the eyelid.
- Press gently on the inner corner of the eye for 1 minute. This will avoid the solution draining away into the nose and being absorbed systemically.
- Repeat with the other eyes.
- Always wash your hands and your child's hands after using the drops to avoid it being taken internally.
Are there any side effects I should look out for?
Please stop using the atropine and call 111 for medical advice immediately if your child:
- Becomes hot and complains of a sore throat
- Becomes irritable
- Develops rash
- Develops headaches
- Develops nausea / vomiting
Other important things you need to notice about
- Do not use the atropine beyond the expiry date.
- Do not use it after it has been opened for 4 weeks.
- Store the atropine in a dry place, away from strong light and below 25ºC.
If you have any further questions about the use of these eye drops, please do not hesitate to contact the orthoptic team by calling and leaving a message on 0300 613 4253.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ophthalmology service.
About this information
Service:
Ophthalmology
Reference:
QQ/012
Approval date:
2 August 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.