NCT07676981 · Rehan Ahmed
Atropine Eye Drops for Watery Eyes (Excessive Tearing)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if low-dose atropine eye drops work to reduce excessive watery eyes (epiphora) in adults. It will also learn about the safety of the eye drops.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if low-dose atropine eye drops work to reduce excessive watery eyes (epiphora) in adults. It will also learn about the safety of the eye drops. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do the eye drops reduce how often participants have watery eyes? What medical problems do participants have when taking the eye drops? Researchers will compare two strengths of the eye drops (0.005% and 0.01%) to see whether one works better than the other and whether the lower strength works as well as the higher one.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- You may be able to join if you:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have vision of 20/200 or better in at least one eye
- Have watery eyes (epiphora) bad enough to need wiping or dabbing at least twice a day
- Have watering caused by a functional/idiopathic, gustatory ("crocodile tears"), environmentally triggered (reflex), or obstructive cause - in one or both eyes
- Have a healthy eye surface, with no significant dry eye, active eye infection, or active eye inflammation
- Have adequate eyelid position and tone, where surgery is not the main treatment needed and reducing tear production is likely to help
- Are willing and able to put drops in your eye(s) once each night for 7 days and attend the study visits
- Can understand and follow the study procedures and communicate with study staff (an interpreter is allowed) You will not be able to join if you:
- Have significant dry eye disease
- Have had an active eye infection within the past 30 days
- Have an active tear-sac infection, or a blocked tear duct that needs urgent surgery (a blocked tear duct that does not need surgery is allowed)
- Currently use eye drops that affect tear production or eye-surface testing, unless you are willing to stop them for the study
- Are allergic to, or should not take, atropine, similar (anticholinergic) medicines, or any ingredient in the study drops
- Have narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma, where dilating the pupil would not be safe for you
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are taking part in another interventional study, or took part in one within 30 days before screening
- Have any condition that, in the doctor's judgment, would make it unsafe for you to join or hard to follow the study
Where
- Houston, Texas
- Mesquite, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations