AIM: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-concentrations atropine eye drops in controlling adolescent myopia.

METHODS:A computer search was conducted on Wanfang Data, CNKI, VIP, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases from January 2010 to March 2024 on clinical studies on low-concentration atropine eye drops for controlling adolescent myopia. Two researchers independently screened trials, extracted data, evaluated risk of bias and quality, and used Review Manager5.4 software to perform Meta-analysis.

RESULTS:A total of 17 articles, involving 3 764 cases and 3 952 eyes, were included. The Meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, low concentrations of atropine could effectively slow down the growth of axial length \〖MD=-0.15, 95% CI(-0.20, -0.10), P<0.00001\〗, significantly controlled the changes in spherical equivalent \〖MD=0.39, 95% CI(0.29, 0.48), P<0.00001\〗, and had a significant effect on pupil diameter \〖MD=0.80, 95% CI(0.33,1.28), P=0.0010\〗 and amplitude of accommodation \〖MD=-2.54, 95%CI(-4.49, -0.60), P=0.01\〗.

CONCLUSION:Low-concentrations atropine are effective in controlling spherical equivalent and axial length of myopia in adolescents, significantly affecting pupil diameter and amplitude of accommodation, and effectively delaying the progression of myopia.