Investigation of Natural Refractive Changes in Young Hyperopic Children Using Atropine Cycloplegic Refraction
Toru Kawanobe1, Toshiaki Goseki1,2,3, Shinya Takahashi1
1Ophthalmology, Kozawa Eye Hospital and Diabetes Center, Mito, JPN.
Cureus
|December 11, 2025
Summary
Refractive error changes in young children using atropine sulfate eye drops were evaluated. A significant hyperopic shift was observed, suggesting initial underestimation in a majority of cases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
Background:
- Atropine sulfate eye drops are used to manage refractive errors in children.
- Understanding refractive error changes post-atropine is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate refractive error changes in young children after using atropine sulfate eye drops.
- To compare refractive error changes between myopic and hyperopic groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 153 eyes from patients under 12 years old.
- Analysis of objective refractive error changes between two cycloplegic refractions within 18 months.
- Comparison of refractive errors in myopic and hyperopic groups.
Main Results:
- Overall refractive error change was 0.21±0.61 diopters.
- The hyperopic group (67% of eyes) showed a mean change of +0.49±0.46 D.
- The myopic group (33% of eyes) showed a mean change of -0.45±0.34 D.
Conclusions:
- Refractive error changes trended towards hyperopic shifts.
- In 67% of cases, initial refractive error may have been underestimated.
- Findings highlight the importance of serial refractions in children using atropine.
