PurposeRandomized controlled trials have shown the efficacy of
atropine for
progressive myopia, and this treatment has become the preferred pattern for this condition in Taiwan. This study explores the effectiveness of
atropine 0.5% treatment for progressive high
myopia and adherence to
therapy in a non-Asian country.MethodsAn effectiveness study was performed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Overall 77 children (mean age 10.3 years±2.3), of European (n=53), Asian (n=18), and African (n=6) descent with
progressive myopia were prescribed
atropine 0.5%
eye drops daily. Both parents and children filled in a questionnaire regarding adverse events and adherence to
therapy. A standardized eye examination including
cycloplegic refraction and axial length was performed at baseline and 1, 4, and 12 months after initiation of
therapy.ResultsMean spherical equivalent at baseline was -6.6D (±3.3). The majority (60/77, 78%) of children adhered to
atropine treatment for 12 months; 11 of the 17 children who discontinued
therapy did so within 1 month after the start of
therapy. The most prominent reported adverse events were
photophobia (72%), followed by reading problems (38%), and
headaches (22%). The progression rate of spherical equivalent before treatment (-1.0D/year±0.7) diminished substantially during treatment (-0.1D/year±0.7) compared to those who ceased
therapy (-0.5D/year±0.6; P=0.03).ConclusionsDespite the relatively high occurrence of adverse events, our study shows that
atropine can be an effective and sustainable treatment for progressive high
myopia in Europeans.