Khaberni - A recent study from the University of Houston reveals that a single low-dose drop of "Atropine" can have an effect that lasts all day in the eye, opening up new horizons for understanding the treatment of myopia.
Optometry professor Lisa Ostrin, in cooperation with researcher Barsha Lal, explained that using a low dose of "Atropine" (between 0.01% and 0.1%) leads to noticeable changes in pupil size and focusing ability, and these effects last for no less than 24 hours. The results also indicated that this drop does not cause short-term structural changes in the eye, but rather limits its effects to temporary changes in retinal blood flow.
These results were published in the journal "Eye and Vision", adding to a series of research focused on slowing the progression of myopia in children using "Atropine".
To understand the drug's effect more precisely, the researchers conducted a randomized double-blind study including 20 healthy adults, where participants received a single drop in the right eye, either of "Atropine" or a placebo solution, during five separate sessions. Then, the length of the eye and the thickness of the retina and choroid (a thin vascular layer vital and located between the sclera (the white part) and the retina at the back of the eye), as well as blood flow in the retina, were measured after one hour and then after 24 hours.
The results showed that a single use of "Atropine" does not change the length of the eye or the thickness of its tissues throughout an entire day, but it may temporarily affect the superficial blood circulation of the retina. This observation is important, as an increase in the length of the eye is associated with the worsening of myopia.
In her comment on the results, Ostrin emphasized that understanding these short-term effects is a fundamental step in interpreting how "Atropine" works inside the eye, whether in therapeutic uses or research. She also noted that the findings of this study align with her previous research that showed a single dose of "Atropine" can cause significant changes in the pupil of the eye.
Overall, these results suggest that "Atropine" causes early functional and vascular effects without causing structural changes, supporting its use as a relatively safe option for managing myopia. This understanding also contributes to developing more precise and customized treatments, based on scientific evidence and considering the needs of each patient.
