MODERATO Study

Investigating atropine eye drops to slow short-sightedness in children

Overview

Myopia (short-sightedness) is a common eye condition which causes distance objects to appear blurred. It typically onsets in childhood and continues to progress into early adulthood. It is now predicted that at least half of the world’s population will be short-sighted by 2050. People who are short-sighted have an increased risk of developing various eye diseases in later life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and myopia maculopathy. Myopia is easily corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses; however, this does not stop it from getting worse. Various interventions, such as eye drops, special glasses and contact lenses, are now available to help slow down how quickly myopia progresses in childhood, however we don’t yet know what option works best.

About the Study

The MODERATO trial is a Phase III international clinical study assessing whether two concentrations of atropine eye drops (0.025% and 0.05%) can safely and effectively slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents aged 3 to <18 years compared to placebo eye drops. Participants will attend the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Facility (NICRF) for detailed eye examinations (similar to what they will have experience with their own optometrist), over a 24-month period. During this time, they will be asked to use the eyedrops once a day.

Why It Matters

With global childhood myopia rates rising sharply, this study aims to identify whether atropine eyedrops can slow down the progression of myopia to ultimately reduce the risk of developing sight-threatening eye diseases in later life. Atropine drops are already used to treat other eye conditions at higher doses but are not yet licensed for slowing the progression of myopia. The results could inform future treatment guidelines and potentially benefit millions of children worldwide.

Who can I contact for more information?

Please email or phone a member of our optometry team using the details below:

NICRFOptoms@qub.ac.uk

07342 705509

Principal Investigator

Prof Augusto Azuara-Blanco
Ophthalmologist

Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University Belfast & Belfast Health and Social care Trust
Email: a.azuara-blanco@qub.ac.uk