The Urgent Need for Improved Myopia Management in Children

A recent study by CooperVision has shed light on an alarming issue in children's eye health. The study revealed that a significant number of children in the United States are not receiving timely management for refractive errors or ocular conditions. This finding, presented at the 2024 Global Specialty Lens Symposium, indicates a pressing need for enhanced eye care for children and provides an opportunity for eye care professionals to advance myopia management as a standard of care in their practice and community.

Key Findings of the Study

The CooperVision study revealed that only 14% of children aged 7 years or younger received eye exams. This lack of early detection and treatment is concerning, as 43.5% of all children exhibited more than 0.50 D of myopia in at least one eye. In addition, over half of those aged 5 to 12 years had premyopia in at least one eye.

The study also found that only 15% of all patients had been prescribed contact lenses. Interestingly, approximately one in eight pediatric contact lens prescriptions were intended to slow myopia progression. These numbers underscore a clear gap in myopia management among children in the U.S.

Promoting Myopia Management

Several initiatives are underway to raise awareness and promote the management of myopia. For example, a web page on Facebook is promoting MiSight® disposable contact lenses for children to help manage myopia progression and safeguard their eye health. It encourages parents to consult eyecare professionals for more information.

CooperVision's efforts in myopia management were also shared at THE Myopia Meeting in Toronto. The event discussed the effectiveness and safety of red and violet light therapy for myopia management and the role of school nurses in growing myopia management. New referral programs for pediatric myopia and updates to myopia management tools were presented by Treehouse Eyes and Ocumetra, respectively.

Advancements in Myopia Management Technology

Technology is playing a crucial role in managing myopia in children. SightGlass Vision's diffusion optics technology spectacle lenses have received FDA breakthrough device designation for slowing myopia progression in children. The technology features light-scattering elements that mimic natural contrast on the retina and has proven to be safe and effective in clinical evaluations. Only 18 ophthalmic devices have received this designation since the program's inception in 2015.

Sherman Tung, an eye care practitioner, has observed a positive impact of anti-myopia spectacles in his clinic and believes that the DOT technology provides flexibility for parents in choosing myopia management options for their children. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Device designation for SightGlass Vision's Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT) spectacle lenses. DOT is the first design to leverage contrast management mechanism of action, which gently scatters light across the retina.

Conclusion

The CooperVision study's findings and the subsequent discussions and technological advancements serve as a wake-up call to the urgent need for improved myopia management in children. It is essential that eye care professionals, parents, and educators work together to ensure that all children receive timely and effective eye care. Through early detection, appropriate prescription, and advanced management strategies, we can safeguard our children's vision and overall eye health.