Clinical study to evaluate role of atropine (0.01%) in the management of childhood myopia

Background: Myopia is the most important cause of preventable blindness in children in the developing countries. There is a rapid increase in the prevalence of childhood myopia, in Asian countries, with about 80-90% of school leavers are affected by myopia. Atropine is an alkaloid extracted from the plant “deadly nightshade” (atropine belladonna) and is a non selective muscaranic antagonist. Atropine is found to block accommodation and reduces the effects of excessive accommodation on the progression of myopia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low dose atropine (0.01%) in children with myopia. Methods: Study was conducted on 100 children attending the OPD at the Upgraded Department of Ophthalmology, GMC Jammu, for a period of 1 year. Results: The baseline mean spherical equivalent of the spectacle power was -4.4+/-3.8D and the baseline axial length was 24.19+/-0.7mm as measured by contact A Scan. And the mean age of the atropine group was 7.1+/-3.6 years. Conclusion: The myopic progression is effectively reduced by using atropine (0.01%) drops in children between 6-12 years of age. Besides, good eye care habits, enhancement of time outdoors and limited near work should not be overlooked.