A new clinical study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology adds to growing evidence that low-dose atropine eye drops can help slow the progression of myopia in children, with higher concentrations offering stronger benefits.¹

Researchers analyzed data from 175 children aged 6 to 18 in a year-long, multicenter study conducted across three ophthalmic hospitals in China. The study compared three commonly used low-dose atropine regimens—0.01%, 0.025%, and 0.05%—to determine which was most effective in controlling worsening nearsightedness.

All three atropine concentrations reduced the progression of myopia, but the highest dose tested—0.05%—showed the greatest effect. Children receiving this dose experienced the smallest changes in refractive error over 12 months, indicating slower vision deterioration. Meanwhile, eye growth was lowest in the 0.025% group, though differences between groups were not statistically significant.

“These findings suggest that while all low-dose regimens are beneficial, higher concentrations may offer enhanced control of myopia progression,” the authors concluded.

Unlike tightly controlled clinical trials, this study reflects real-world clinical practice, offering insights into how atropine performs outside laboratory conditions. Real-world evidence is increasingly valued in pharmacology because it captures how treatments work across broader, more diverse patient populations.

The study also evaluated safety indicators such as IOP and corneal curvature, finding no major concerns across the treatment groups—an important factor given that atropine is administered long-term in pediatric patients.

The findings come amid rising global concern over childhood myopia, which has increased sharply in recent decades and is linked to higher risks of serious eye conditions later in life. While atropine has emerged as a leading pharmacological option, the optimal dosing strategy has remained debated.

Researchers note that longer follow-up periods and broader population studies will be needed to confirm long-term safety and effectiveness. Still, the results reinforce atropine’s role as a key tool in managing childhood myopia—and may help guide more precise dosing decisions in clinical practice.

Reference

1. Zhang Y, Li X, Wang J, et al. Efficacy and safety of different low-dose atropine concentrations for myopia control in children: a real-world study. Front Pharmacol. 2026;17:1716698. doi:10.3389/fphar.2026.1716698.