Efficacy and Safety of Low Dose Atropine 0.01% in Slowing of Progression of Myopia

Background: We conducted this study to evaluate the efficacy & safety of topical 0.01% atropine eye drops in slowing down the progression of myopia and axial length elongation.  Methods: In this study had 50 patients ( 100 eyes) divided in two groups , 25 patients (50 eyes) in interventional groups and 25 patients (50 eyes)  in control group.  Results: Autorefrectometer (AR) readings change from base line 2.11±0.11D to after 12 month 2.09±0.12D so increases in AR reading was –0.02D in interventional group at one year follow up. AR reading changes from baseline 2.16±0.12D to after 12 month 2.22±0.18D so increases in AR reading was -0.06D in control groups. Subjective refraction changed from base line 2.01±0.06D to after 12 month 2.91±0.11D so increases in Subjective refraction was +0.9D in cases at one year follow up. Subjective refraction changed from base line 2.03±0.05D to after 12 month 3.23±0.18D so increases in subjective refraction were +1.2D in control group at one year follow up. Conclusion: Low-dose (0.01%) topical atropine eye drops treatment was a safe and effective method for slowing down the progression of myopia in children and adolescents because it has growth suppressing influence by acting on extraretinal muscarinic receptors possible in the retinal pigment epithelium, choroid and sclera. Keywords: Myopia, Atropine, Subjective refraction, Autorefrectometer.