Saving the Next Generation's Vision! 0.05% Atropine Eye Drops Added to National Health Insurance from August, Benefiting 365,000 Children and Adolescents

Myopia among children and adolescents in Taiwan has long ranked among the highest in the world. According to data from the National Health Administration (NHI) on cycloplegic refraction, myopia among Taiwanese schoolchildren exhibits three prominent characteristics: early onset age, high prevalence, and a high proportion of high myopia. To help slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, the NHI Administration announced that, starting August 1 of this year, 0.05% atropine eye drops will be included in the NHI benefit package for myopia control treatment in individuals under 18, benefiting approximately 365,000 children and adolescents.

Dr. Tsai Tzu-hsuan, Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology at National Taiwan University Children's Hospital, explained that clinically, atropine is used to paralyze the ciliary muscle, thereby slowing the rapid increase in myopia among children and adolescents. However, while higher concentrations generally yield better results, they also tend to increase the likelihood of side effects such as pupil dilation, photophobia, and reduced near vision.

Dr. Tsai noted that in the past, Taiwan commonly used high-concentration atropine (above 0.1%), but many children experienced discomfort due to side effects, leading them to refuse or secretly discontinue the medication. As a result, the NHI began covering 0.01% atropine eye drops starting May 1, 2023, with a prescription of one bottle per four weeks. However, it was found that for some children and adolescents, the effect was not significant enough. Therefore, starting August 1, 2024, the NHI will further include 0.05% atropine eye drops in its benefit list, allowing ophthalmologists to choose the appropriate concentration based on each child’s condition. This provides more diverse, flexible, and suitable treatment options, enhancing vision care for children and adolescents.

Although the out-of-pocket cost for a bottle of 0.05% atropine eye drops is around NT$1,000—seemingly not excessively expensive—the large number of myopia patients in Taiwan means this policy will still save considerable expenses for average households.