Low-Concentration Atropine (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%) for Myopia Progression in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
0.05% atropine drops slowed myopia progression more than lower doses in children
Low-Concentration Atropine (0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%) for Myopia Progression in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Myopia has reached epidemic proportions globally, with approximately 50% of the world population projected to be affected by 2050.
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL from database inception through April 2026.
0.05% drops boosted eye growth control the most of all doses tested
For myopia progression, 0.01% atropine demonstrated significant efficacy at 1 year (pooled MD = +0.291 D, 95% CI: 0.199 to 0.384; p < 0.0001; I 2 = 29.1%) and at 2 years (pooled MD = +0.174 D, 95% CI: 0.056 to 0.291; p = 0.0038; I 2 = 0%).
Clinically, a 0.25 D difference over 1-2 years may translate to approximately 0.50 D cumulative benefit over a typical 5-year treatment course, potentially reducing the risk of high myopia.
All concentrations showed an excellent safety profile with no serious adverse events.
Low-concentration atropine is effective for myopia progression control at all three concentrations, with a concentration-dependent gradient (0.05% > 0.025% > 0.01%).
The 0.01% concentration offers a reasonable balance of efficacy and tolerability. Further independent validation of the 0.05% concentration is warranted.
The premyopia prevention indication requires additional well-designed randomized controlled trials.