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Atropine 0.01% eye drops reduced myopia progression in children over a one-year study course.1 Isha Sharma, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Ophthalmology, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi, India and Guru Tegh Bahadur Hospital, and colleagues reported.
They conducted a randomized trial to study the efficacy of low-dose atropine in preventing the progression of myopia in children. , evaluated the effects of the drug after 1 year on near vision, pupil size, keratometry and pachymetry.
METHODS: One hundred myopic children were randomized to a control group treated with low-dose atropine eye drops once daily at bedtime or with placebo. The two groups were matched for age and sex. The patient was evaluated every 3 months over her 1 year, at which time changes in spherical equivalent and axial length were measured. Investigators also assessed near vision, pupil size, and corneal and pachymetry at each follow-up visit.
The researchers reported that the mean change in spherical equivalent refraction and axial length was significantly lower in the atropine group compared to the placebo group (0.31 ± 0.55 diopter [D] and 0.11 ± 0.22 mm vs. 0.80 ± 1.65 D and 0.23 ± 0.44 mm). The difference reached significance (P = 0.003).
The atropine group also had less corneal curvature steepening (0.16 ± 0.28 D vs. 0.29 ± 0.3 D; P < 0.001). Mean changes in pachymetry were comparable between groups (0.00 ± 0.01) (P = 0.489).
Atropine drops did not cause significant changes in near vision or pupil size. Dr. Sharma reported no change in near vision in his 96% of eyes treated with atropine. In his eyes he was 2% and in near vision he had 1 line change (P = 0.500). 2% had a 3-line change in near vision (P = 0.07).
The authors concluded, “The use of 0.01% atropine eye drops reduced the progression of myopia over the 1-year study period, with no significant changes in near vision and pupil size. Administration of 0.01% atropine eye drops. No patient reported systemic or local side effects due to
