Myopia: The return of the atropine

Atropine is of interest to eye care professionals for a number of reasons. Firstly, it has an interesting history. Its name is derived from the Greek atropos (meaning inflexible or unchangeable) and relates to its long-lasting effect. Indeed, it has links with Atropos, one of the Fates in Greek mythology whose wielding of scissors could sever the thread of life – a clear reference to its high toxicity. Its fatal toxicity if consumed has long been known as it is the active ingredient in the berries of the deadly nightshade plant. The juice from this plant was widely used as an eye drop in mediaeval times to cause dilation and therefore increase the attractiveness of the user. The alternative name for the plant is belladonna for this reason.