atropine eye drops for reducing progression of myopia in children

In a multicentre placebo controlled, double-masked, randomised trial in the UK (CHAMP-UK trial), low concentration atropine (0.01%) eye drops were well tolerated and effectively reduced myopia progression in children with myopia compared with placebo eye drops (1):

• primary outcome was spherical equivalent refractive error of both eyes measured by autorefractor under cycloplegia after two years
  
• study participants:
  • 289 children aged 6-12 years with myopia between −0.50 and −10.0 dioptres (D)
    
• 0.01% atropine eye drops were more effective than placebo in reducing progression of myopia (mean difference 0.33 dioptres, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.49, P<0.001)
  • pupil diameter, which was greater in the atropine group (0.36 mm, 95% CI 0.17, 0.55, P<0.001)
  • no differences in frequency of adverse events or in tolerability measures
    
• “..Atropine eye drops are widely used worldwide to slow progression of myopia in children, but an atropine 0.01% preparation is not currently available in the UK National Health Service for treating children with myopia. The results of the CHAMP-UK trial will help inform policymakers in the UK..”

Reference:

1. Azuara-Blanco A et al. Low concentration atropine eye drops and progression of myopia in children: multicentre placebo controlled, double masked, randomised trial in the UK (CHAMP-UK). BMJ 2026; 393 :e086698.