Taiwan expands health coverage for 0.05% atropine eye drops to curb child myopia

From August 1, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance will reimburse low‑concentration (0.05%) atropine eye drops for children and adolescents under 18 as a treatment to slow myopia progression. The change adds the higher‑potency formulation to the benefit list after the 0.01% version, introduced in May 2023, proved insufficient for some patients. Health officials estimate that about 365,000 children will be eligible for the new coverage. Clinical studies show the 0.05% concentration effectively delays myopia growth while causing fewer side‑effects such as pupil dilation and light sensitivity compared with higher‑dose products. The reimbursement cost is expected to remain stable because the price of the 0.05% drops matches that of the earlier 0.01% formulation. The move addresses Taiwan’s unusually high myopia prevalence, which rises from around 9 % in kindergarten to over 70 % by sixth grade, and aims to improve long‑term eye health for the younger population.