Ocular Risks of Topical Atropine Prescriptions Among Taiwanese Children

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology and Public Health Research
• Pediatric Eye Care and Myopia Management

Background:

• Myopia is a significant global health issue, with high myopia increasing the risk of serious ocular complications.
• The long-term safety of atropine, a common myopia control treatment, requires further investigation due to uncertain outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the ocular risks associated with atropine prescription for myopia control in Taiwanese children.
• To evaluate the incidence of cataracts, glaucoma, and maculopathy in relation to atropine use in pediatric myopia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, population-based cohort study utilizing Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database (2000-2021).
• Inclusion of children aged 8-15 with new myopia diagnoses and matched nonmyopic controls.
• Analysis of atropine prescription data, categorized by cumulative duration and dose, with a minimum 5-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• The incidence of ocular complications was higher in children with myopia compared to nonmyopic controls.
• No significant difference in ocular complication rates was found between atropine users and nonusers with myopia.
• An increased risk of ocular complications was observed with atropine prescription exceeding three years, but not in high myopia cases.

Conclusions:

• Atropine prescription for myopia control in children was not directly associated with increased risks of cataracts, glaucoma, or maculopathy.
• Findings suggest a need to weigh the benefits and risks of atropine, particularly concerning prolonged treatment durations.
• The study highlights limitations in inferring causality and emphasizes the need for further research on atropine's long-term safety profile.