Use of Topical 0.01% Atropine for Controlling Near Work-Induced Transient Myopia: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of topical low-concentration (0.01%) atropine for controlling near work-induced transient myopia (NITM) in a young Chinese population. Methods: This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The participants were randomly divided into the 0.5% hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose-treated group (control group) or 0.01% atropine-treated group (study group). Participants' pulse rate, respiration rate, intraocular pressure, pupil diameter, and magnitude of initial NITM were evaluated at baseline and on day 7 and 14 during treatment. In addition, ocular discomfort and adverse effects were recorded. Results: Of the initial 176 participants, 145 (82.4%) completed the 14-day treatment and all evaluations. At baseline, no difference in the magnitude of initial NITM was observed between the control and study groups (P = 0.826). However, the magnitude of initial NITM of the study group was significantly lower at both day 7 (-0.11 +/- 0.227 D) and day 14 (0.076 +/- 0.183 D) after treatment initiation, compared with the magnitude of initial NITM in the control group (P < 0.001). No serious complications were observed. However, significantly larger pupil diameters were noted on day 7 and 14 in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: We speculate that daily topical 0.01% atropine application effectively reduced the magnitude of initial NITM, without any serious complications. The minimal pupil dilation induced by the treatment was acceptable. Low-concentration atropine may be useful in clinical settings as treatment for young patients with NITM.