Advancing Myopia Management: The Need for Timely Eye Care in Children

A recent study by CooperVision highlights a concerning trend in children's eye health in the U.S. The research reveals that a significant number of children are not receiving timely management for refractive error or ocular conditions. The findings draw attention to the crucial role of eye care professionals in improving eye health among underserved children and the potential of evidence-based treatments.

Disturbing Trends in Children's Eye Health

The study presented at the 2024 Global Specialty Lens Symposium reveals that only 14% of U.S. children younger than seven years receive eye exams. This lack of regular eye check-ups leaves many children at risk of untreated myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

Moreover, the research found that 43.5% of all children exhibited more than 0.50 D of myopia in at least one eye. Even more alarming is the fact that over half of children aged five to twelve years had premyopia in at least one eye. Despite these findings, only 15% of all these patients had been prescribed contact lenses.

The Call for Early Intervention

The study urges the need for timely management of refractive error or ocular conditions among children. It emphasizes the importance of preventative care and early intervention for juvenile onset myopes. The findings also underscore the need for educating school nurses and practitioners to grow myopia management practices.

CooperVision has been actively involved in myopia management efforts. It has launched a new pediatric myopia referral program and presented at THE Myopia Meeting. The company has also discussed the effectiveness and safety of various myopia management treatments like red and violet light therapy, orthokeratology, and low dose atropine.

A Glimpse of Hope: The Breakthrough DOT Spectacle Lenses

In the fight against the global myopia crisis, SightGlass Vision, a joint venture of CooperCompanies and EssilorLuxottica, has made significant strides. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Device designation to SightGlass Vision's Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses, which are under investigation for the slowing of myopia in children.

DOT spectacle lenses leverage a contrast management mechanism of action that gently scatters light across the retina. Clinical trials have shown promising results, with statistically significant slowing of axial length progression and cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction in patients aged 6-10 who used DOT spectacle lenses.

These lenses have already hit the market in China, the Netherlands, and Israel and are in preliminary market trials in other countries. CooperVision's MiSight 1 day lens became the first FDA-approved product to slow the progression of myopia in children, demonstrating the potential of innovative technologies in combating myopia.

The Impact of Age on Myopia Progression

A retrospective data analysis of 44 participants over six years showed that age at first visit significantly influences myopia progression. Individuals aged 10 years had approximately twice the myopic progression of those aged 20 years. The study highlights the potential for small data sets to yield statistically and clinically significant results, further emphasizing the importance of early intervention in myopia management.

In conclusion, the findings from these studies underscore the urgent need for advancing myopia management as a standard of care. Eye care professionals have a significant role to play in improving the eye care of underserved children. The introduction of innovative technologies like DOT spectacle lenses also offers hope in the fight against the global myopia crisis.