AIM:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 0.005% atropine eye drops on myopia control in children with low myopia.

METHODS: Prospective one-year controlled study. One hundred and sixteen children with low myopia were divided into two groups(0.005% atropine group and control group)according to the requirements of children and their guardians. The children(n=58)in the 0.005% atropine group wore single-vision(SV)spectacles, with one drop of 0.005% atropine eye drop applied to both eyes once nightly. The children(n=58)in the control group only wore SV spectacles. Repeated measurements of spherical equivalent refractive errors(SERs), axial length(AL), pupil diameter and accommodative amplitude were performed at baseline, and 4, 8 and 12mo after treatment. The discomfort symptoms were also observed.

RESULTS: There were no significant increase shown in change in SERs and AL from baseline to 12mo in the 0.005% atropine group and control group(P<0.05). There were differences in the change in SERs and AL between two groups, but either the change in SERs or change in AL failed to reach statistical significance(P>0.05). Statistically significant differences were all found in pupil diameter increase and accommodative amplitude decrease between two groups( P<0.01). Six eyes(10.3%)were mild photophobic in the early stage in the 0.005% atropine group. Photophobia disappeared in 4 and 2 eyes after using 0.005% eye drops 2 and 4wk, respectively. No children showed any other discomfort symptoms such as blurred vision or allergy in the two groups.

CONCLUSION: Compared to wear SV spectacles alone, regular application of 0.005% atropine could somewhat control the progression of myopia in children with low myopia. However, its clinical effect was not obvious.