Low-Dose 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops for Symptomatic Vitreous Floaters: A Noninvasive,Safe,and Effective Therapeutic Option

Abstract

Purpose: To assess whether topical low-dose 0.01% atropine eye drops effectively alleviate floater symptoms, as measured by scores from a modified National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire. Methods: This is a retrospective case series conducted at the Retina Group of Washington. Adults with persistently symptomatic vitreous floaters and either vitreous syneresis without posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) or a history of PVD for at least 3 months were included. Subjects with significant vitreoretinal pathology, significant media opacity, anatomic narrow angles, or a history of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) were excluded. Patients completed a modified National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire before using topical low-dose 0.01% atropine eye drops once daily for 1 week. The same questionnaire was then completed after the 1-week period to assess treatment response. The primary outcome measure was satisfaction with the drops. Results: A total of 44 patients received 0.01% atropine eye drops prescribed for daily application in either 1 or both eyes. There were 22 patients who completed at least 7 days of consecutive drop use. Of these, 13 patients (59.1%) were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the drops, and 11 patients (50%) reported that they would continue using the medication. Conclusions: Low-dose 0.01% atropine eye drops may be an effective, noninvasive treatment option for select patients with persistently symptomatic vitreous floaters resulting from vitreous syneresis or PVD.