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SLOWING THE PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA IN CHILDREN: AN INSIGHTS FROM 0.01 % LOW-DOSE ATROPINE TREATMENT
Authors: Dr. Vivek S Naik, Dr Bharat Kumar Bhayal, Dr Nitesh Pradhan
DOI: 10.18231/j.ijceo.10493.1761741412
Keywords: Myopia, Low-dose Atropine, Refractive Error, Axial Elongation, Myopia Control, Children
Abstract: Background Myopia, a prevalent refractive disorder characterized by progressive axial elongation, poses a significant global health concern due to its increasing prevalence and risk of complications like myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, and blindness. Low-dose atropine (0.01%) has emerged as an effective and safe pharmacological intervention to slow myopia progression in children. This study evaluates its efficacy and safety in controlling refractive error, axial elongation, and central macular thickness. Methods A prospective, descriptive study was conducted from May 2022 to December 2023. Sixty-six children aged 6-15 years with progressive myopia were included. Exclusion criteria comprised systemic illnesses, developmental delays, ocular conditions (e.g., amblyopia, strabismus, cataracts), allergies to atropine, prior ocular surgeries or trauma, and systemic health issues like cardiac or respiratory conditions. Baseline and follow-up assessments at 6, 12, and 18 months included visual acuity, refractive error (spherical equivalent), axial length, keratometry, and central macular thickness. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v21, with significance set at p<0 p=0.043, p=0.038).>0.05), but keratometry showed minor significant changes (p<0.001). Central macular thickness significantly decreased at 18 months (p=0.02). Adverse effects were minimal, with 80.3% reporting no side effects. Conclusion Low-dose atropine (0.01%) effectively reduces myopia progression with a favorable safety profile, though its effect on axial elongation requires longer follow-ups. It remains a viable option for large-scale implementation, particularly in developing countries. Further studies on long-term outcomes are recommended.