Control myopia in children to prevent retinal problems later in life
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NEW YORK — Most parents are unaware of the complications of high myopia as well as the potential to control it in children, Janelle Davison, OD, said at Vision Expo East.
“Every 1 D increase in myopia increases the risk of myopic macular degeneration by 67% and retinal detachment by 30%,” Davison said, citing a study by Bullimore and colleagues published in Optometry & Vision Science.
Davison participated in a panel discussion on myopia control that was part of the Global Contact Lens Forum held during Vision Expo East. She is owner and CEO of Brilliant Eyes Vision Center in Smyrna, Georgia, and owner and clinical director of Premier Dry Eye Spa & Cosmetic Eyecare.
“I’ve had patients who have had a retinal detachment at the age of 16,” she said. “These things are real. If you’re not actively doing myopia management, find a doctor in the area who is so you can refer those patients.”
Davison noted that in a recent study published in Scientific Reports, Bullimore and colleagues predicted that between 27% and 43% of uncorrectable vision impairment in the U.S. in 2050 will be attributable to myopia.
Panelist Lyndon Jones, BSc, PhD, DSc, FCAHS, FCOptom, DipCLP, DipOrth, FAAO, FIACLE, FBCLA, director of the Centre for Ocular Research & Education at the University of Waterloo, echoed Davison’s message.
“If you fit kids with contacts, you will see complications. However, if you don’t do anything there will be complications from retinal detachment,” he said. “The problem is that it happens later in life. You have to have the conversation with the parent and say, ‘We have to do this to slow myopia progression, and it could save their vision when they’re 55.’”
He noted that myopia control is now considered standard of care in Canada.
“Bring research studies into the clinic to help you have the conversation,” Davison said.
She referenced a study by Hansen and colleagues, who reported that in a cohort of 1,443 adolescents aged 16 to 17 years, the prevalence of myopia was 25%, with a roughly double risk among those who spent the most time on devices vs. outdoors.
“Replace some device time with outdoor activities,” Davison said. “Discuss the importance of good overall nutrition. Convey that to do nothing is not an option. Figure out a collective way to minimize that risk.”
References:
- Bullimore MA, et al. Optom Vis Sci. 2019;doi:10.1097/OPX.0000000000001367.
- Bullimore MA, et al. Sci Rep. 2023;doi:10.1038/s41598-023-42108-y.
- Hansen MH, et al. Acta Ophthalmol. 2019;doi.10.1111/aos.14242.
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Davison J, et al. Global Contact Lens Forum: Myopia control – The good, the bad, and the ugly. Presented at: Vision Expo East; March 14-17, 2024; New York.
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