PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical atropine, a nonselective muscarinic antagonist, in slowing the progression of myopia and ocular axial elongation in Asian children.
DESIGN: Parallel-group, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-masked study.
PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred children aged 6 to 12 years with refractive error of spherical equivalent -1.00 to -6.00 diopters (D) and astigmatism of -1.50 D or less.
INTERVENTION: Participants were assigned with equal probability to receive either 1% atropine or vehicle eye drops once nightly for 2 years. Only 1 eye of each subject was chosen through randomization for treatment.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
The main efficacy outcome measures were change in
spherical equivalent refraction as measured by cycloplegic autorefraction and change in ocular
axial length as measured by ultrasonography. The primary safety outcome measure was the
occurrence of adverse events.