Myopia, its prevalence, current therapeutic strategy and recent developments: A Review

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pharmacology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Myopia (nearsightedness) is a prevalent refractive error with increasing global rates, affecting all age groups.
• Current myopia control treatments like glasses, contact lenses, and surgery have limitations and side effects.
• Novel therapeutic agents are needed for effective and safe myopia management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the efficacy and safety of 7-methylxanthine (7-MX) as a potential treatment for myopia.
• To highlight findings from preclinical and clinical studies on 7-MX for myopia control.
• To propose 7-MX as a future therapeutic option for excessive eye elongation.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical toxicity studies (acute, sub-acute, sub-chronic, chronic) in rats.
• Analysis of data from ongoing phase II clinical investigations of 7-MX.
• Evaluation of 7-MX properties including toxicity, brain permeability, allergenicity, oral efficacy, and cost.

Main Results:

• 7-methylxanthine (7-MX) demonstrated non-toxicity in preclinical studies compared to other anti-myopic agents.
• 7-MX exhibits characteristics of an ideal drug: low toxicity, oral efficacy, and potential for long-term use.
• Clinical investigations suggest 7-MX is effective in treating myopia and excessive eye elongation.

Conclusions:

• 7-methylxanthine (7-MX) presents a promising, safe, and effective alternative for myopia treatment.
• Its favorable pharmacological profile supports its potential as a long-term therapeutic solution for myopia.
• Further clinical trials are warranted to establish 7-MX as a standard treatment for myopia.