Clinical Trial Shows Significant Reduction in Myopia Incidence with Atropine Eyedrops

The use of low-concentration atropine eyedrops may significantly reduce the incidence of myopia in children, according to a randomized clinical trial. The trial involved 474 nonmyopic children aged 4 to 9 years and lasted for two years.

Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that affects many children worldwide. It is characterized by a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry, while nearby objects remain clear. If left untreated, myopia can progress to high myopia, a more severe form of the condition that is associated with an increased risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment.

Clinical trial

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-concentration atropine eyedrops at 0.05% and 0.01% concentration for delaying the onset of myopia. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: the 0.05% atropine group, the 0.01% atropine group, and the placebo group. They were instructed to apply the eyedrops once nightly in both eyes for two years.

The results showed that the 0.05% atropine group had a significantly lower incidence of myopia compared to the placebo group. The 2-year cumulative incidence of myopia in the 0.05% atropine group was 28.4%, while that of the placebo group was 53.0%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant.

Moreover, the percentage of participants with fast myopic shift was also lower in the 0.05% atropine group compared to the placebo group. Fast myopic shift is a measure of the speed at which myopia progresses, and it is an important predictor of high myopia later in life. The 0.05% atropine group had a fast myopic shift percentage of 25.0%, while that of the placebo group was 53.9%.

The 0.01% atropine group did not show a significant difference in myopia incidence or fast myopic shift percentage compared to the placebo group. However, the difference between the 0.05% atropine group and the 0.01% atropine group was statistically significant.

It is important to note that further research is needed to replicate these findings and to understand whether the use of atropine represents a delay or prevention of myopia. Additionally, longer-term safety should be assessed before atropine is widely used as a treatment for myopia.

Takeaway

The use of low-concentration atropine eyedrops may be an effective way to reduce the incidence of myopia in children. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and to assess the long-term safety of this treatment. Parents should consult with their eye doctor to determine the best course of action for their child's eye health.