How can we prevent myopia progression?

PURPOSE: Myopia has increased worldwide during recent years and is becoming a serious public health problem. In East Asia, the prevalence can reach 80% of the population. The focus for screening and interventions should be on early life during childhood when myopia progression is faster.

METHODS: Review and discussion of the recent literature on potential interventions for preventing the development of myopia or slowing its progression.

RESULTS: Increased time spent outdoors is a protective factor for myopia progression. Undercorrection increased myopia progression and optimal correction is mandatory. The use of progressive or bifocal lenses (spectacles or contact lenses) may yield a slowing of myopia by limiting eye accommodation. Rigid gas permeable contact lenses were found to have few effects on myopic eye growth. A marked slowing of myopia was observed with orthokeratology by temporarily changing the curvature radius of the cornea. The largest positive effects for slowing myopia progression were observed with atropine eyedrops with an interesting dose effect. The benefit of surgical scleral reinforcement is reserved for severe and progressive myopia.

CONCLUSIONS: In this review, we discuss optical and pharmacologic interventions that can be used in myopia management.