A new international clinical trial is underway across Europe to test whether low-dose atropine eye drops can effectively slow the progression of myopia (nearsightedness) in children and adolescents. The 40-month study, known as the MODERATO, is being conducted in children ages 3 to less than 18 with progressive myopia.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing blurry distance vision. Atropine temporarily dilates the pupil of our eyes, and previous studies have demonstrated that low dose atropine eye drops, with fewer side effects than its normal dose, may have potential on myopia control. Till date, the exact mechanism of action has yet to be understood fully.

This proposed study will evaluate whether children using the low dose atropine eye drops have less progression of myopia and eventually reduce the need for stronger corrective lenses in the future than those not using the eye drops.

CVBF is conducting the trial across centers in the UK, Poland, Spain, Italy and Albania with Irisi Sukaj, our Clinical Project Manager coordinating the activities. The study is sponsored by OCUS Innovation Ireland Ltd. and led by Professor Jason Yam from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Professor Ian Wong from The University of Hong Kong and Aston Pharmacy School in Birmingham.
The results of the trial could lead to an easy, safe way for parents to slow the progression of myopia in their children.

About the Author: Flogert Dollani

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By Published On: December 16th, 2023Categories: News0 Comments