German researchers found the expected transient reduction in visual quality following trabeculectomy was worse in patients receiving postoperative atropine drops.

According to University Medical Center of Mainz researchers, 40 patients underwent trabeculectomy with mitomycin C with postoperative ofloxacin and dexamethasone eye drops, half of whom were also given atropine drops three times daily for two days. The results of a questionnaire completed at two and six weeks postoperatively showed the atropine cohort experienced a sustained and more severe reduction in visual quality. “Unless there is an underlying medical necessity, we would discourage the application of atropine as a standard therapy for trabeculectomy surgery,” said study lead Dr Panagiotis Laspas.