Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops for Excessive Tearing in Adults
Official title: A Randomized, Double-Masked, Vehicle-Controlled, Two-Period Crossover Study of Atropine Sulfate Ophthalmic Solution (0.005% w/v) for the Treatment of Symptoms of Epiphora
Run by Greater Houston Eye Consultants · NCT07816224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a very dilute atropine eye drop can reduce tearing in adults with epiphora, using a paired, blind comparison to a placebo drop.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 16 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Greater Houston Eye Consultants Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Houston, Texas and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | November 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07816224 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with symptomatic epiphora (Munk score ≥2) and adequate vision, able to self-administer drops nightly for two 7-day periods.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients whose tearing is not responsive to this mechanism or who have exclusionary eye conditions may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 2 study will evaluate whether 0.005% atropine eye drops reduce the frequency of tearing in adults with epiphora. Each participant will receive two treatments in a randomized, masked, cross-over design: the atropine drop and an identical-looking vehicle drop, each used nightly for seven days with about two weeks between periods. The primary outcome is change in ocular wiping frequency due to tearing. Approximately 12 to 18 adults will participate at two Texas sites under a supervised protocol to ensure safety and adherence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may experience less tearing and fewer eye-wiping episodes with a low-dose, topical treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in similar topical agents for tear-related symptoms have shown potential benefit, but this exact low-dose atropine approach is relatively novel for epiphora.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 years of age or older * Symptomatic epiphora (unilateral or bilateral) with tearing requiring eyelid wiping or dabbing at least 2 times per day (Munk score ≥2) * Epiphora attributed to functional/idiopathic, gustatory, environmental, or lacrimal outflow (e.g., nasolacrimal duct obstruction, punctal stenosis) etiology * Visual acuity of 20/200 or better in at least one eye (with habitual correction or pinhole) * Willing and able to self-administer eye drops nightly for 7 days in each of two treatment periods and attend all study visits * Prior use of topical atropine permitted if at least 10 days have elapsed since the last dose Exclusion Criteria: * Clinically significant dry eye disease, or tearing judged to be a reflex response to ocular surface disease, blepharitis, or other ocular surface irritation * Regular use of artificial tears, ocular lubricants, or dry eye medications, or unwillingness to stop them during the study * Active or recent (within 30 days) ocular infection, or active dacryocystitis * Current use of ophthalmic anticholinergic agents (unless stopped at least 10 days before Visit 1) * Hypersensitivity to atropine, other anticholinergics, or any component of the formulation * Angle-closure glaucoma or narrow anterior chamber angles * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Participation in another interventional study within 30 days * Any condition or medication that, in the investigator's judgment, would interfere with study assessments or subject safety
Where it's running
-
Greater Houston Eye Consultants
Houston, Texas, United States Recruiting -
North Texas Eye Specialists
Mesquite, Texas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rehan Ahmed, MD
- Email: studytearing@gmail.com
- Phone: studytearing@gmail.com
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Does a numbing eye drop reduce pain during tear duct probing and irrigation?
This test will see if putting a numbing drop (proparacaine 0.5%) into the eye before tear duct probing and irrigation makes the procedure less painful for adults with excessive tearing.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.