One of the exciting optometric developments of 2019—eye drops that can treat myopia in children—earned the approval of another research team in a recent study.

Low-concentration atropine is an emerging therapy for myopia progression, but its efficacy and optimal concentration remain uncertain, say the research team out of Hong Kong. The study found 0.05%, 0.025%, and 0.01% atropine eye drops reduced myopia progression along a concentration-dependent response and that all three were well tolerated without adverse effects on vision-related quality of life. The study examined 438 children (ages four to 12 years) with myopia of at least -1.0D and astigmatism of -2.5D or less. The participants were randomly assigned in a to receive one of the three dosages or placebo eye drop every night in both eyes for a year. The patients’ cycloplegic refraction, axial lengths, accommodation amplitude, pupil diameter and best-corrected visual acuity were measured at baseline, two weeks, four months, eight months and, finally, one year. At the one year mark, a Visual Function Questionnaire was administered.

The responses showed that, of the three concentrations, the group given 0.05% atropine was best controlled and showed the least progression in spherical equivalent and axial length elongation. Visual acuity and vision-related quality of life were not affected in any group.