The efficacy and safety of combined 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology for childhood myopia control: a 2-year randomized clinical trial - Summary - MDSpire

The efficacy and safety of combined 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology for childhood myopia control: a 2-year randomized clinical trial

  • By

  • Ying Yuan

  • Yuqi Deng

  • Chengcheng Zhu

  • Xinting Liu

  • Wei Zhang

  • Bingru Zheng

  • Xinjie Mao

  • Xiao Yang

  • Bilian Ke

  • April 30, 2026

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To explore the efficacy and safety of combined low-concentration atropine (0.01%) and orthokeratology lenses for slowing the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12 years.

Key Findings:
  • Axial elongation was significantly slower in the AOK group compared to the OK group (0.33 ± 0.17 mm vs. 0.43 ± 0.16 mm, p = 0.004).
  • Significant differences in axial length change were noted in subgroups with initial SER of -1.00 to -3.00D and ages 8-10 years.
  • No significant differences in TMH, NIBUT, visual acuity, and pupil size between AOK and OK groups (p > 0.05).
  • Latency of pupillary light reflex was significantly longer in the AOK group (p = 0.029).
Interpretation:

The combination of 0.01% atropine and orthokeratology effectively slows axial elongation in children with myopia, demonstrating good tolerability and minimal ocular surface impact.

Limitations:
  • The study only included children aged 8-12 years, limiting generalizability to other age groups.
  • Potential long-term effects of atropine on ocular health were not fully explored, particularly regarding ocular surface health.
Conclusion:

The combination therapy of low-concentration atropine and orthokeratology is a promising strategy for managing myopia progression in children.

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