The Impact of Iris Color on the Efficacy of Low-Concentration Atropine in Controlling Myopia Progression - Summary - MDSpire
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The Impact of Iris Color on the Efficacy of Low-Concentration Atropine in Controlling Myopia Progression

  • By

  • Gareth Lingham

  • James Loughman

  • Samantha SY Lee

  • Michael X. Repka

  • Eoin Kerin

  • Alicia Gómez Sánchez

  • Emmanuel Kobia-Acquah

  • Ernest Kyei Nkansah

  • Ian Flitcroft

  • David A. Mackey

  • April 27, 2026

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Objective:

To characterize the relationship between iris color and accommodative amplitude, pupil diameter, and myopia progression in response to low-concentration atropine eye drops in children and adolescents.

Approach:
    Key Findings:
    • Atropine 0.01% and 0.05% eye drops showed varying efficacy in controlling myopia progression, with specific p-values indicating statistical significance.
    • Statistically significant differences in axial length change were observed between White and non-White ethnicities in the MOSAIC study, with p = 0.002.
    • Iris color may influence the response to atropine treatment, with lighter iris colors potentially experiencing greater effects, warranting further investigation.
    Interpretation:

    The findings suggest that iris color could be a factor in the efficacy of low-concentration atropine for myopia control, highlighting the need for personalized treatment approaches.

    Limitations:
    • Subgroup analyses were not adequately powered to detect significant differences, which may limit the reliability of findings.
    • Variability in iris color classification and measurement methods across studies may affect comparability and interpretation of results.
    Conclusion:

    Further research is needed to explore the implications of iris color on atropine treatment efficacy, particularly in diverse populations, and to optimize myopia management strategies.

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