Efficacy of combined orthokeratology and 0.01% atropine for myopia control: the study protocol for a randomized, controlled, double-blind, and multicenter trial

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of myopia is increasing worldwide and is presently recognized as a major public health issue. Researchers and clinicians have been devoted in exploring appropriate clinical interventions to slow its progression in children. Mounting publications have proven that both orthokeratology (OK lens) and 0.01% atropine eyedrop can retard eye growth and myopia progression. However, it remains unclear whether the combination of OK lens and 0.01% atropine has the potential to magnify the effectiveness of myopia control. The present study aims to compare the myopia control efficiency of the combination of OK lens and 0.01% atropine with the monotherapy of OK lens in children. METHODS: The present study is a randomized, controlled, double-blind and multicenter clinical trial. A total of 96 children within 8–12 years old were recruited. These participants are treated with the combination of OK lens and 0.01% atropine eyedrop or the combination of OK lens and placebo eyedrop. Each group includes 48 participants. The inclusion criteria are as follows: myopia between − 1.00 and − 4.00 D in either eye and astigmatism of no more than 1.50 D. The follow-up time points will be 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months from randomization. The primary outcome is determined by the difference in axial length of the two groups, between the baseline and 24 months from randomization. DISCUSSION: The present randomized, controlled clinical trial would indicate the additive effects of the combination of OK lens and 0.01% atropine, and the extent of these effects, in retarding myopia progression and axial elongation in children. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR1800018419. Registered on 17 September 2018. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=29216 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05825-1.