Peripheral Refraction in Myopic Children with and without Atropine Usage

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Myopia Control
• Refractive Error Research

Background:

• Myopia is a growing global health concern.
• Peripheral refraction plays a role in myopia progression.
• Atropine is a common treatment for myopia control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare peripheral refraction patterns in myopic children using atropine versus those not using it.
• To investigate the impact of atropine on relative peripheral refractive error in pediatric myopia.

Main Methods:

• A study involving 209 Chinese children (aged 7-12) was conducted.
• Participants were categorized into emmetropes, low myopes, and moderate myopes.
• Central and peripheral refractions were measured across nasal and temporal visual fields.

Main Results:

• The atropine group exhibited significant relative peripheral myopia in temporal and nasal fields, particularly at 30 degrees.
• Differences were noted in low and moderate myopic groups, with significant findings in specific peripheral zones.
• No significant differences in spherical equivalent and astigmatism were found between nasal and temporal retinae across refractive groups.

Conclusions:

• Atropine treatment is associated with significant alterations in relative peripheral refraction.
• These changes suggest a potential modification in eye shape, possibly contributing to atropine's efficacy in myopia control.
• The findings offer insights into the biomechanical effects of atropine on the myopic eye.