New data shows children with myopia using 0.05% atropine eye drops had less myopia progression than those using placebo or 0.01% atropine.
The 0.05% dose has been studied in Asian populations, but the results are the first to study European children.
The study authors said the results were from a secondary analysis of the three-year results of the 24-Month Myopia Outcome Study of Atropine in Children (MOSAIC) trial, called the MOSAIC2 trial.1
The MOSAIC trial was an investigator-led, double-masked, randomised clinical trial of different atropine concentrations and regimens. The MOSAIC2 study took place in Ireland and included children and adolescents with myopia from the MOSAIC trial.
The 0.05% dose has been studied in Asian populations, but the results are the first to study European children
Participants were randomly assigned to receive either nightly placebo for two years then 0.05% atropine eye drops for one year or nightly 0.01% atropine eye drops for two years then rerandomisation to placebo nightly, tapering placebo, or tapering of 0.01% atropine eye drops for one year.
The study observed changes in cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction and axial length. Participants using 0.05% atropine during year three exhibited 0.13-D less myopia progression and 0.06 mm less axial elongation, compared with participants using placebo.
The findings supported the use of 0.05% atropine as an effective and safe option for myopia control, particularly in children or populations less responsive to 0.01%, the authors said.
Reference
- Loughman J, Lingham G, Flitcroft DI, et al. Efficacy and safety of different atropine regimens for the treatment of myopia in children: Three-year results of the MOSAIC randomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online January 2025. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.5703.
