Undergraduate Research & Scholarships

Kellie Rong

Pupil Response & Recovery Rates and Clinical Effects of Low Dose Atropine

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is one of the largest epidemics affecting children and adults worldwide. Atropine has been used as a dilating agent for various clinical purposes, yet at low doses has been found to decrease the progression of myopia in children. This summer, I will be focusing on two projects: 1. Does applying two drops of 0.01% atropine sulfate solution cause the same clinical effects as one drop of 0.02% atropine? 2. How quickly do the pupil responses and ciliary muscles recover following a dose of 0.01% atropine, 0.02% atropine, and 0.05% atropine?

By studying the effects of pupil response and recovery rates at various doses, we are better able to approach the use of atropine as a clinical treatment for myopic children.

Message To Sponsor

I would also like to thank the donors of the URAP summer program who allow students like me to develop and enhance our learning in a laboratory or clinical research setting. The past two semesters have already been very enriching, and it would not be possible to continue this summer without your support!