To provide clinical basis of atropine in the prophylaxis and treatment of myopia by comparing 5 low concentration atropine eyedrops.

All 40 college volunteers were involved and randomly divided into 5 groups (ABCDE, 8 in each group). Group A, B, C, D, E were administered with 0.1%, 0.05%, 0.025%, 0.01% and 0.005% atropine eyedrops respectively in one eye. In stage one, after the application, the changes of pupil sizes, the amplitudes of accommodation, the distant and near visual acuity and stereopsis were observed. In stage two, after the application once a day for 2 months, any side effects were recorded, including the photophobia, near vision difficulty, allergy, foreign body sensation, pain, discomfort, as well as slit lamp and IOP exams.

The duration time of mydriasis and the decrease amplitude of accommodation declined upon concentration(P <0.01). The distant visual acuity decreased slightly (0.08±0.02). The near vision declined at different degrees in group ABCD, while group E had no effect. The stereoptic functions did not change in all groups. The most common side effects was photophobia, followed by near vision blurring (except group E), the rare side effects were congestion and allergy. Foreign body sensation, pain and other discomfort were not found. 70% candidates complained a stereoscopic sensation loss at a distance more than 3 meters. The IOPs were the same. No general side effect was found.

All low concentration atropine eyedrops are safe in general. The decreases of accommodative amplitude and mydriatic duration are positively related to atropine eyedrops concentration. 0.05% atropine eyedrops is suitable for daily use bilaterally without interfering the life and study, while the other atropine eyedrops are preferred to be used in eyes alternately or bilaterally at settled intervals. The loss of distant stereoscopic sensation caused by unilateral use should be paid attention.

Low concentration atropine; Mydriasis; Cycloplegia; Stereopsis; Side effect