Low Concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression in School Children

Myopia is the leading cause of blindness in Taiwan. The younger children with myopia, the higher risk of high myopia in later life and complications such as retinal detachment and maculopathy will occur. We have reported the low concentration of atropine (0.05%) with the effect on retarding the myopia progression. Recently the 0.01% atropine was also reported effective and with less visual side effects such as mydriasis. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy in controlling myopia progression and visual side effects of 2 low concentration of atropine(0.05% vs 0.01%) in children aged 6-12 years with myopia of at least -0.5 diopters (D) and astigmatism of -1.50 D or less.

Compare different concentrations of atropine eye drops (0.01% vs 0.05%) in the efficacy of controlling myopia progression and side effects of atropine

Axial length change is another indicator of the myopia progression.Using non-contact biometry. unit: millimeter(mm)

Questionnaire written by patients and their parents about how many hours per week of near work (ex. computer/video game, reading, piano playing...) and outdoor activities, the compliance of atropine use, discomfort after atropine use (ex. photophobia or blurred vision when near work)

Inclusion Criteria: Myopia of at least -0.5 diopters (D) and astigmatism of -1.50 D or less. Exclusion Criteria: strabismus, amblyopia. cataract, glaucoma or any ocular diseases ocular surgery history systemic diseases (ex. asthma, heart disease...)