Evaluation of myopia management with atropine 0.01% in children in Poland

Aim of the study
Research on myopia is ongoing all over the world. The best therapeutic outcomes have been observed for pharmacological treatment with eye drops containing atropine, especially at low concentrations. The aim of the study was to determine whether the administration of atropine 0.01% drops might slow down the progression of myopia in children in Poland. In addition, an attempt was made to establish whether age, sex and severity of the visual defect had an impact on the efficacy of treatment with atropine 0.01%.

Material and methods
The study involved a total of 74 children aged 8 to 16 years, with myopia ranging from -1.0 to -6.0 diopters. The group treated with atropine 0.01% eye drops consisted of 50 patients (98 eyes), while the reference group comprised 24 patients (48 eyes). The study spanned a period of nine months. Patients in the study group used atropine 0.01% drops for a total of six months, after which the treatment was interrupted for three months. Patients in the reference group were not given any ophthalmic drugs during this period. The groups were also differentiated by age, sex, and baseline severity of the visual defect.

Results
The analysis revealed a statistically significant effect of atropine 0.01% drops on inhibiting the progression of myopia in children. The drops were found to be more effective in younger children (8-12 years old) and in children with a minor visual defect (-1.0 to -3.0 D) at baseline. The study found no statistically significant difference in the change in mean eye length between the two groups. Also, patient sex did not affect the progression of the defect or the change in eye length in both groups.

Conclusions
Atropine 0.01% eye drops are effective at inhibiting the progression of myopia. They cause no side effects, and are well tolerated by patients. The study shows that starting treatment in younger children, and children with a less severe visual defect, is recommended for the most effective inhibitory effect on the progression of myopia.