Efficacy and safety of 0.01% atropine in Chinese children with nearwork-induced transient myopia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
In brief
Atropine improved nearwork-related transient myopia by 0.43 diopters
In 148 Chinese children with myopia, nightly 0.01% atropine for 12 weeks improved the initial measure of temporary distance blur after nearwork by 0.43 diopters more than placebo. Side effects were similar between groups and none were serious; benefits reportedly persisted during 12 weeks of follow-up, but longer-term effects remain unknown.
- Journal
- Eye (London, England) (Q1)
- Published
- 1 October 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Yunwei Fan, Yaguang Peng, Yan Zhang, Jiawen Wang, Yanan Guo, Xiaoxia Peng, et al.
- PMID
- 42823522
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41433-026-04534-w
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Ophthalmology (top studies of the week, 11 October 2026): 0.01% atropine reduces nearwork‑induced transient myopia in children
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Nearwork-induced transient myopia (NITM) is a temporary reduction in distance vision following prolonged nearwork and is associated with an increased risk of myopia progression. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.01% atropine in controlling NITM in Chinese children. METHODS: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled Chinese children aged 6-15 years with myopia. Participants were randomised 1:1 to receive 0.01% atropine or placebo eye drops once nightly for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week observation period. The primary endpoint was the change in initial NITM values from baseline to week 12. RESULTS: A total of 148 participants were randomised to the 0.01% atropine group (n = 74) or placebo group (n = 74). The mean change in initial NITM from baseline to week 12 was 0.61 ± 0.31 dioptres (D) in the 0.01% atropine group versus 0.18 ± 0.56 D in the placebo group (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also observed in initial NITM at week 2 (-0.28 ± 0.16 D vs. -0.47 ± 0.42 D, P = 0.001) and week 12 (-0.08 ± 0.09 D vs. -0.52 ± 0.30 D, P < 0.001). The repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated significantly improvements in initial NITM values in the 0.01% atropine group at week 2 (P = 0.047) and week 12 (P < 0.001) compared to placebo. Adverse events (AEs) were reported in 27 participants (37.0%) in the 0.01% atropine group and 30 participants (41.7%) in the placebo group. No serious AEs were reported. CONCLUSION: Atropine (0.01%) significantly reduces initial NITM values in myopic children, demonstrating sustained benefits up to 12 weeks post-treatment and a favourable safety profile.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.