A new review published by the International Myopia Institute (IMI) has compiled randomized controlled-trial evidence on interventions to delay onset and slow progression of myopia in children. The article surveyed 5 categories of intervention: optical correction, pharmacological treatment, environmental (behavioral) factors, light-based therapies and surgical approaches.
Among behavioral measures, increased time outdoors appears to reduce the risk of developing myopia by about 30% to 5% in at-risk children. For progression after onset, optical interventions such as defocus-incorporated glasses or dual-focus contact lenses remain central, showing axial length slowing of approximately 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm over 1 to 2 years. Low-dose atropine (eg, 0.05%) also showed enhanced effect over lower concentrations, though side-effects remain a consideration. Emerging light-based therapy (repeated low-level red-light) demonstrated the largest single-year effect (up to about 0.4 mm axial slowing) in early trials, though long-term data are limited. The authors emphasize that combination approaches and long-term adherence merit further investigation.
The review concludes that managing myopia in children is no longer experimental. Effective, evidence-based options now exist and clinicians are urged to tailor intervention plans according to each child’s risk profile, lifestyle and response.
