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Updated: May 15, 2026
05:56
Scleral Cross-linking Using Riboflavin and Ultraviolet-A Radiation for Prevention of Axial Myopia in a Rabbit Model
Published on: April 3, 2016
Effectiveness of Low-Dose Atropine (0.01% to 0.05%) in Reducing Myopia Progression: A Systematic Review and
Abdullah S Alqahtani1,2,3, Salma Hamdan Almarwani2,3, Basmah Saeed Alweal2,3
1Department of Ophthalmology, National Guard Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|May 14, 2026
Summary
Low-dose atropine eye drops (0.01-0.05%) effectively slow myopia progression in children by reducing axial elongation and spherical equivalent changes. This meta-analysis confirms its potential as a safe intervention for myopia control.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Myopia progression in children is a growing concern.
- Variability in low-dose atropine studies necessitates a comprehensive review.
- Low-dose atropine (0.01-0.05%) is being investigated for myopia control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose atropine eye drops in slowing myopia progression in children.
- To synthesize evidence from randomized clinical trials on low-dose atropine for myopia control.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
- Included randomized controlled trials (2019-2024) of children (4-18 years) with progressive myopia.
- Analyzed axial length and spherical equivalent changes using Review Manager 5.4.
Main Results:
- Thirteen trials (2529 children) showed low-dose atropine significantly reduced axial elongation (MD: -0.11 mm) and spherical equivalent progression (MD: +0.24 D).
- Substantial heterogeneity was noted (I²=92% for axial length, I²=79% for spherical equivalent).
- Risk of bias was generally low, with no significant publication bias.
Conclusions:
- Low-dose atropine (0.01-0.05%) appears effective and generally safe for slowing myopia progression in children.
- Further long-term trials are recommended to determine optimal dosing and sustained effects.
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