Atropine eyedrops can prevent the onset and delay the progression of myopia in children

Authors´ conclusions: nightly use of 0.05% atropine eyedrops among children aged 4 to 9 years without myopia resulted in a significantly lower incidence of myopia and lower percentage of participants with fast myopic shift at 2 years.

Reviewers´ commentary: this study, of adequate design and quality, concludes that atropine in low concentration helps prevent the onset and rapid progression of myopia in high-risk children, with few side effects. Long-term follow-up is pending to assess adequate follow-up time and possible rebound effect after suspension.