Current approaches to myopia control.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Myopia is a significant global health concern, particularly in East and Southeast Asia.
• High prevalence rates (over 80%) and increasing incidence necessitate effective myopia control strategies.
• Ocular complications associated with myopia can lead to severe vision impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review of interventions for slowing myopia onset.
• To examine strategies for retarding myopia progression.

Main Methods:

• Review of current scientific literature on myopia control.
• Analysis of interventions including increased outdoor time, low-dose atropine, orthokeratology, and peripheral defocussing lenses.

Main Results:

• Increased time outdoors is effective in reducing the onset of myopia.
• Low-dose atropine (0.01%) significantly reduces myopia progression by 50% with minimal side effects.
• Orthokeratology slows axial elongation but carries a risk of infective keratitis.
• Peripheral defocussing lenses show potential in slowing progression and understanding ocular growth control.

Conclusions:

• Myopia control is achievable through interventions targeting both onset and progression.
• Increasing outdoor time is a key strategy for preventing myopia onset.
• Pharmacological (atropine) and optical (orthokeratology, peripheral defocussing lenses) interventions are effective in managing myopia progression.