The eye drops (the famous ” eye drops ») Are often used during eye examinations. However, according to a report from the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) published this Thursday, March 23, 2017, mydriatic eye drops – those used to dilate the pupil – could be toxic to babies and young children.
Thus, serious (and sometimes fatal) side effects have been reported to health authorities. In particular, the health of toddlers is endangered if the substance is absorbed by the whole body – this is called “systemic passage”.
90% of the product will pass into the general circulation of the body
“It is extremely difficult to know how much of the active substance is getting into the eye. Only a small proportion of the volume of a drop reaches the anterior chamber of the eye for local action. The rest is quickly drained by the lacrymo-nasal duct, ”explained the ANSM, which specifies that“ this drainage promotes systemic passage causing potentially serious adverse effects. We can estimate that 90% of the quantity of active principle which reaches the eye will pass into the general circulation ”.
Very specifically, the active ingredients of the product can have effects on the digestive system, the cardiac system and / or on the central nervous system. The ANSM is therefore proposing new regulations: at the premature and the newborn, it is a question of acting with great caution during the administration of these eye drops, in particular because of the digestive risks (abdominal distension, ileus, occlusion) and hemodynamic risks (cardiovascular dysfunction).
It is also advisable to press on the inner corner of the child so that the eye drops do not touch the tear points but also to wipe the excess product on his cheeks so that it is neither ingested nor absorbed by the skin. skin. Good to know !
