Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Therapy Slows Down Axial Elongation in Progressive High Myopia with Enhanced Choroidal...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Research
• Myopia Control

Background:

• Progressive high myopia (PHM) is characterized by excessive axial elongation, increasing the risk of vision-threatening complications.
• Intraocular pressure (IOP) is a known risk factor for myopia progression.
• Effective strategies to slow axial elongation in adults with PHM are crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of IOP-lowering medications in reducing axial elongation rates in adults diagnosed with PHM.
• To assess the impact of IOP-lowering therapy on ocular perfusion parameters.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective longitudinal cohort study was conducted.
• Fifty eyes from 50 adults with PHM and documented axial elongation (≥0.1 mm/year) were analyzed.
• Data included demographics, ocular characteristics, and OCT angiography before and after ≥12 months of IOP-lowering medication.

Main Results:

• IOP-lowering therapy reduced the mean axial elongation rate from 0.14 mm/year to 0.03 mm/year (P < 0.001).
• A statistically significant decrease in IOP was observed after 12 months of treatment (P < 0.001).
• OCT angiography revealed modest increases in perfusion density in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) and choriocapillaris (CC).

Conclusions:

• IOP-lowering therapy is associated with a significant reduction in axial elongation in adults with PHM.
• The therapy may concurrently enhance ocular perfusion in key retinal vascular layers.
• These findings suggest IOP-lowering medications as a potential therapeutic strategy for managing myopia progression in adults.