Recent updates on myopia control: preventing progression 1 diopter at a time.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Optometry
• Myopia Control Research

Background:

• Myopia is a growing global health concern, increasing the risk of serious eye diseases.
• Effective interventions are crucial to slow myopia progression and prevent vision impairment in children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on interventions for slowing pediatric myopia progression.
• To identify the most effective methods for myopia control in children.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on myopia control interventions.
• Analysis of data on lifestyle, optical, and pharmacological approaches.
• Evaluation of the efficacy of interventions like outdoor time, contact lenses, orthokeratology, and atropine drops.

Main Results:

• Increased time outdoors may help prevent myopia onset but has limited effect on progression.
• Orthokeratology lenses offer moderate myopia progression reduction.
• Low-dose atropine eye drops demonstrate the most significant effect in slowing myopia progression.

Conclusions:

• Atropine eye drops and orthokeratology lenses are the leading interventions for reducing axial elongation and myopia progression.
• Further research is required to establish clear guidelines and target populations for these treatments.
• Personalized treatment plans are essential for each pediatric patient.