Controlling Progression of Myopia: Optical and Pharmaceutical Strategies

Abstract

The burden associated with the rising prevalence of myopia and high myopia, and the associated vision impairment and sight-threatening complications, has triggered the need to evaluate strategies to control the progression of myopia. We provide an overview of the literature on the use of optical (spectacles, contact lenses, and orthokeratology) and pharmaceutical approaches to slow progress of myopia. The evidence indicates that myopia progression can be slowed by varying degrees using these strategies. All approaches play a role in the management of myopia as needs and requirements of an individual vary based on age, suitability, affordability, safety of the approach, subjective needs of the individual, and rate of progression. This review also identifies and discusses the lack of long-term efficacy data and rebound on discontinuation of myopia control products.

Keywords: myopia; myopia control; myopia management; refractive error.