Low-dose atropine affects visual performance in young adults with myopia

A recent study explored the effects of low-concentration atropine eye drops on the visual performance of university students with myopia. Researchers sought to assess the impact of 0.01% and 0.05% atropine on key visual functions.

The study involved 26 myopic students aged 18 to 30, who received each concentration in a randomized order, with nightly administration for 14 days and a washout period between treatments.

Results showed that 0.05% atropine significantly reduced optical quality and contrast sensitivity, particularly under low-light conditions with glare, reaching its most pronounced effect after 1 day of use. However, these effects were temporary, with all parameters returning to baseline two weeks after discontinuation. The researchers noted that 40.91% of participants reported excessive daytime sleepiness and nocturnal glare with 0.05% atropine. In contrast, 0.01% atropine had minimal impact on visual performance or symptoms.

Reference
Luo Y, Yin Z, Zhang J, et al. Differential impact of 0.01% and 0.05% atropine eye drops on visual performance in young adults. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2025;doi: 10.1111/opo.13471. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39976337.