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Does atropine use increase intraocular pressure in myopic children?
Tzu-En J Wu1, Chen-Chang Yang, Harn-Shen Chen
1Department of Ophthalmology, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Summary
Long-term atropine eye drops for myopia in children did not increase intraocular pressure (IOP). However, older age and higher myopia severity were linked to elevated IOP, regardless of atropine treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pupillary dilation from muscarinic antagonists can predispose individuals to glaucoma.
- Atropine is used to treat myopia in children, but its long-term effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of long-term atropine treatment for myopia on IOP in children.
- To identify risk factors for elevated IOP among myopic children receiving atropine therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 621 myopic children (ages 6-15) with spherical equivalent refractive error between -1.00 and -6.00 D.
- Collected ocular examination data and IOP measurements; calculated cumulative atropine dose and duration over 3 years.
- Compared a treatment group (n=489) receiving atropine with a reference group (n=132) not receiving atropine.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between atropine dose or duration and the risk of elevated IOP.
- Age and spherical equivalent refractive error were positively associated with elevated IOP risk in both treated and untreated children.
- Atropine therapy for up to 3 years appeared safe concerning IOP in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Topical atropine therapy for myopia in children, up to 3 years, seems safe regarding IOP.
- Further research is needed to assess the safety of longer-term atropine treatment.
- Clinicians should monitor IOP in older myopic children and those with more severe myopia, irrespective of atropine use.
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