Assessing the Efficacy of Low-Dose Topical Atropine (0.01%) for Controlling the Progress of Myopia among School Children

Abstract

Background: It is one of the most common abnormalities of human eyes and its incidence has dramatically risen in incidence in the last few decades. Myopia may lead to irreversible vision loss. A number of studies reflect on the effectiveness of low concentration atropine in controlling myopia. Atropine is used topically as a cycloplegic for the accommodation reflex and as a mydriatic for pupillary dilatation. Since myopia is leading cause of diminution of vision in early childhood, use of atropine (0.01%) in early stages can provide regression in myopic changes in eye. This study aimed to assess the change in spherical equivalent, changes in axial and keratometry values and retinal degenerative changes in cases of myopia treated with low dose atropine.
 Methodology: The enrolled cases of myopia will undergo thorough ophthalmological examination and will be randomized into intervention and control groups. All cases in intervention group will be treated with low dose atropine (0.01%) eye drops at night and will be followed up every 6 months for examination. The control group will be provided refractive spectacles and also followed up every 6 months. The data from both groups will be compared and analysed.
 Expected Results: Significant reduction in the progression of Myopia among school going children is expected with administration of 0.01% atropine eye drops.
 Conclusion: Use of atropine (0.01%) in early stages can provide regression in myopic changes in eye.