The Effect of Alternating Monocular Instillation of 0.125% Atropine in Korean Children with Progressive Myopia

Objectives: To identify the effect of alternating monocular instillation (AMI) of 0.125% atropine in Korean children with progressive myopia. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 120 children with progressive myopia. A total of 60 children (mean age 9.2 ± 2.0 years) wearing glasses who received AMI of 0.125% atropine for one year were allocated to the treatment group. The remaining 60 children (mean age 9.2 ± 1.9 years) with the same refraction, SE, and axial length (AL) who did not receive any treatments except for wearing glasses were allocated to the control group. Ocular findings and the progression rate were compared between the groups pre- and post-treatment, and adverse events were investigated in the treatment group. Results: The mean spherical equivalent (SE) at baseline was -3.87 ± 1.55 D in the control group and -3.90 ± 1.56 D in the treatment group. Pre-treatment SE, age, and AL were similar between the groups; however, post-treatment SE and AL changes were smaller in the treatment group (-0.36 ± 0.46 D/y, 0.21 ± 0.20 mm/year in the treatment group vs. -1.02 ± 0.57 D/y, 0.51 ± 0.20 mm/year in the control group) (Ps < 0.001). The pre-treatment progression rate diminished in the treatment group compared to the control group after one year (p < 0.001), and the changes in pupil size under mesopic and photopic conditions in the treatment group increased by 0.03 ± 0.05 mm and 0.76 ± 0.90 mm, respectively. Regarding adverse events, a tingling sensation was noted in two patients (3.3%) in the treatment group. Conclusions: Alternating monocular 0.125% atropine eye drop instillation may be effective and suitable for progressive myopia in Korean children.