Control of myopia progression by low-dose atropine (0.01%, 0.025% and 0.05%), defocus incorporated multiple segments/highly aspherical lenslets spectacles, and combined therapy in European children: A 3-year retrospective study

Optom Vis Sci. 2026 Mar;103(3):e70007. doi: 10.1002/ovs2.70007.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Myopia control is crucial for pediatric eye care professionals. Although various treatments exist, their comparative efficacy, particularly in European populations, remains unclear. In real-life conditions, this study aimed to compare different strategies to slow myopia progression.

METHODS: This retrospective, nonrandomized study evaluated the efficacy of 0.01%, 0.025%, and 0.05% atropine, defocus incorporated multiple segments/highly aspherical lenslets (DIMS/HAL) spectacles, combined atropine and DIMS/HAL, and single vision spectacles in 288 European children (aged 5-12 years) with myopia progression (≥0.75 D in the past 12 months). Primary outcomes were changes in spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length measured every 6 months for 3 years.

RESULTS: The mean cumulative 3-year SER progressions were -0.75 ± 0.49, -0.92 ± 0.52, and -1.31 ± 0.75 D for the 0.05%, 0.025%, and 0.01% atropine groups, respectively, -1.31 ± 0.76 D for the DIMS/HAL group, and -1.11 ± 0.65 D for the 0.01% atropine + DIMS/HAL group, showing better myopia progression control compared to those of the control group (-2.14 ± 0.72 D). Atropine exhibited a dose-dependent effect, with 0.05% atropine achieving the greatest reduction in myopia progression and axial elongation.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the efficacy of low-dose atropine and DIMS/HAL spectacles in slowing myopia progression in European children. The 0.05% atropine exhibited the most pronounced myopia control effect.

PMID:42020349 | DOI:10.1002/ovs2.70007