# Effect of Low-Dose Atropine on Choroidal Thickness in Children With Myopia Progression

## TL;DR

This study found that low-dose atropine eye drops thicken the choroid in children with progressing myopia and may slow down vision worsening.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates a novel association between low-dose atropine-induced choroidal thickening and reduced myopia progression in children.

## Key findings

- Children treated with 0.01% atropine showed significant choroidal thickening at 3 and 6 months.
- Choroidal thickening correlated with slower myopia progression measured by spherical equivalence and axial length.
- Placebo-treated children did not show similar choroidal changes or myopia progression differences.

## Abstract

Purpose: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of low-dose atropine (0.01%) on choroidal thickness in children with progressive myopia. A secondary objective was to compare the rate of myopia progression between children treated with low-dose atropine (0.01%) and those receiving placebo eye drops (preservative-free carboxymethyl cellulose 0.5%) through changes in equivalent, axial length (AXL), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Study design: A prospective case-control interventional study was conducted in the department of ophthalmology at a tertiary eye care center in eastern India.

Materials and methods: A total of 87 children aged 5-16 years with bilateral progressive myopia were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups. Spherical equivalence, AXL, and choroidal thickness (sub-foveal and at 1500 and 3000 microns nasal and temporal to the fovea) were documented at baseline,1 month,3 months, and 6 months.44 children in group A received treatment with once-daily dosing of atropine at bedtime, while 43 children in group B received a placebo eyedrop.

Results: Children in group A showed a significant increase in overall choroidal thickness at 3 and 6 months (11+/-9.67) and (18+/-13.43) microns, respectively, which showed a significant correlation with the progression of myopia (in terms of spherical equivalence and AXL).

Conclusion: Low-dose atropine induced a significant choroidal thickening effect, which was associated with slower progression of myopia in the treatment group.