Atropine's most common use is to dilate pupils during eye examinations.
This helps doctors and ophthalmologists see the back of the eye more clearly, allowing them to diagnose and treat various eye conditions.
Atropine drops are applied to the eyes, causing the pupil to widen and relax the muscles controlling the iris.
This dilation effect can last for several days, making it a convenient tool for comprehensive eye exams.
While pupil dilation is the most common use, atropine has other applications in medicine, such as:
- Treating bradycardia: Atropine can increase heart rate in cases of slow heartbeats.
- Reversing the effects of certain poisons: It can counteract the effects of nerve agents and some pesticides.
- Treating certain types of eye conditions: It can be used to treat conditions like iritis and uveitis.
It's important to note that atropine is a powerful medication, and its use should be supervised by a healthcare professional.
