Mechanism and clinical effects of atropine on myopia progression

Authors: Zhang Duoxing,  Wei Shifei,  Wang Ningli
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn115989-20200221-00090
Published 2022-06-10
Cite asChin J Exp Ophthalmol, 2022, 40(6): 594-598.

Abstract                              [View PDF]  [Read Full Text]

Atropine is one of the useful methods that can slow down myopia progression.The effect of atropine has been proved by clinical researches, among which, various concentrations of atropine from 0.01% to 1% are all effective on control myopia progression for children, and atropine 0.01% has been verified to have the best balance between efficiency and side effects.Though many hypotheses and theories have been proposed to explain the mechanism of atropine, no community agreement has been reached among global scientists.Researches have shown that the possible receptors of atropine include M1-M5 acetylcholine families, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, dopamine receptors, ZENK gene and α2-adrenergic receptors, which are located on retina and posterior sclera.The inhibitory effect of atropine on myopia progression might be achieved through cholinergic, G-protein and GABA signaling pathway.The target site of action of atropine is located on retinal pigment epithelium, choroid and scleral collagen.The effects of topical application of atropine combined with orthokeratology are better than wearing orthokeratology only.The mechanism, site of action and most relevant clinical researches of atropine of various concentrations were reviewed in this article.

Key words:

Atropine; Myopia; Prevention and control; Mechanism; Signaling pathways

Contributor Information

Zhang Duoxing

Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China

Wei Shifei

Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Visual Science, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China

Wang Ningli

Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Key Laboratory of Visual Science, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100005, China

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