Low-Dose Atropine for Myopia Control: New Study Raises Questions About Long-Term Safety
New York, NY – A large, retrospective study published today in JAMA Ophthalmology offers a nuanced look at the safety of low-dose atropine eye drops, a treatment increasingly used to slow the progression of nearsightedness (myopia) in children. While the study found no overall difference in common ocular complications like glaucoma and cataracts between children treated with atropine and those who weren’t, it did suggest a potential link between longer-term use and increased risk – a finding researchers say warrants further investigation.
Myopia is a growing global health concern, especially in East Asia, where rates are soaring. Left unchecked, increasing myopia isn’t just a matter of needing stronger glasses; it substantially elevates the risk of serious, possibly vision-threatening conditions like myopic maculopathy, open-angle glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
Atropine drops work by temporarily dilating the pupil and relaxing the focusing muscles of the eye. Research has indicated that, at low doses, these drops can effectively slow myopia progression – leading to widespread adoption in countries like Taiwan, where they’ve been used for over two decades.
Study Details & Key Findings
Researchers led by Dr. Tzu-Hsun Tsai of National Taiwan University Hospital analyzed data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program, encompassing nearly 600,000 children aged 8-15 diagnosed with myopia between 2001 and 2015. Approximately two-thirds of these children were treated with atropine drops, while the remaining third were not. The study boasted a significant follow-up period, with over 70% of participants tracked for 10 years and 40% for 15 years.
The study focused on the incidence of cataracts, glaucoma, and maculopathy. While children with myopia had a roughly 50% greater risk of developing these conditions compared to those without myopia (consistent with existing research),the analysis of atropine use yielded mixed results.
Initially, longer-term atropine prescription appeared associated with a higher risk of ocular complications. However, this association weakened when researchers accounted for the severity of the children’s myopia. Crucially, the cumulative dose of atropine - the total amount used over time – wasn’t linked to a greater risk, suggesting duration of use, rather than total exposure, might potentially be the more significant factor.
What Dose This Mean for Parents?
“This study doesn’t necessarily mean atropine is unsafe,” explains Dr. Michael Lee, Editor-in-Chief at world-today-news.com. “It highlights the need for careful monitoring and a personalized approach to myopia management.The findings suggest that while atropine appears generally safe, clinicians should be mindful of long-term use and consider the individual patient’s myopia severity.”
The researchers themselves acknowledge that the increased risk observed with longer-term use may be linked to the underlying severity of myopia, rather than the drops themselves. More research is needed to definitively clarify this relationship.
Looking Ahead
This study underscores the importance of ongoing research into the long-term effects of myopia control strategies. As the global prevalence of myopia continues to rise, understanding the benefits and risks of treatments like low-dose atropine is crucial for protecting the vision of future generations.
Sources:
* Tsai,T. H., et al. (2024). Association of Atropine Use With Ocular Complications Among Children With Myopia. JAMA Ophthalmology. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2838641
* JAMA Network: https://jamanetwork.com/
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