Low-dose atropine shows limited effect on myopia progression in children with IRDs
Key Takeaways
- Low-dose atropine did not significantly reduce myopia progression in children with inherited retinal diseases after accounting for age-related effects.
- Researchers suggested earlier treatment and alternative myopia management strategies may need further study in this population.
Low-dose atropine did not significantly slow myopia progression in children with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) after accounting for age-related changes, according to a study.
Researchers analyzed 262 refractive examinations from 27 children with IRDs and myopia treated with atropine drops (n = 12) or left untreated (n = 15). TRPM1 was the most common gene identified in both groups. Treatment with atropine began at a mean age of 6.4 years.
In the atropine group, mean annual myopia progression decreased from -1.01 D/year before treatment to -0.28 D/year after treatment initiation. In the control group, progression decreased from -0.81 D/year before age 6 years to -0.45 D/year afterward.
The researchers concluded that low-dose atropine did not significantly change myopia progression once age-related effects were considered. They noted that earlier intervention and alternative optical strategies may warrant further study in children with IRDs.
Reference
Azmon R, Kreindler A, Ezra Kahtan B, et al. Exploring the role of low-dose atropine in myopia management in children with inherited retinal diseases. Optom Vis Sci. 2026;103(4):e70053. doi: 10.1002/ovs2.70053. PMID: 42087059.
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