Interventions
photophobia
EYE, NEAR VISION
Participants were randomized 1:1:1 by computer algorithm to 0.01% low-dose atropine eye drops for 24 months (0.01% group) vs. 0.1% loading dose for six months followed by 0.01% for 18 months (0.1% loading dose group) vs. vehicle eye drops for two years (placebo). Eye drops were applied nightly at bedtime in each eye. Compliance was evaluated using at-home administered checklists with boxes for marking daily trial medication use. Children who received eye drops for 75% of the intervention period were considered compliant. Before randomization an at-home administration of lubricating eye drops (Viskøse Øjendråber “Ophtha”, Hypromellose 3.5 mg/mL, Actavis Group PTC ehf., Hafnarfjordur, Iceland) were offered to potential participants to assess if they could comply with the study intervention. Photochromatic or near-addition glasses were reimbursed in cases of atropine-induced photophobia or near vision difficulties. The study is ongoing, and the 2-year intervention will be followed by a one-year washout period.