Systolic hypertension as side effect of topical low dose atropine drops

Barry N Wasserman; Erik Massenzio; Karen Lee; David A Plager

doi:10.1016/j.ajoc.2024.102004

Systolic hypertension as side effect of topical low dose atropine drops

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2024 Feb 8:33:102004. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2024.102004. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Authors

Barry N Wasserman¹, Erik Massenzio¹, Karen Lee¹, David A Plager²

Affiliations

¹ Wills Eye Hospital, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Service, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
² Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Abstract

Purpose: To present a case of increased systemic hypertension and pupil dilation related to low dose atropine eyedrops.

Observations: A thirteen-year-old male with progressive myopia received atropine 0.05% ophthalmic drops to slow down myopia progression. He exhibited systemic systolic hypertension, photophobia, and bilateral nonreactive mydriasis. The atropine drops were discontinued, and his blood pressure and pupillary function normalized.

Conclusions and importance: This case demonstrates sensitivity to low dose atropine with increased systemic blood pressure and pupillary dilation.

Keywords: Atropine; Hypertension; Myopia.

Publication types

Case Reports