A new open-access paper providing a comprehensive analysis of evidence-based myopia management could equip optometrists to better manage future cases including when to modify or cease care.
Published in peer-reviewed journal Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics, University of Houston authors Professor Mark Bullimore and Associate Professor Kathryn Richdale present a range of critically evaluated safety and efficacy considerations for behavioural, optical and pharmaceutical myopia management pathways.
The authors note the paper, titled ‘Myopia Control 2020: Where are we and where are we heading?’, seeks to present a snapshot of the rapid evolution of the field, addressing multiple questions that optometrists may have. These include not only who to manage, but also relative strengths of various methodologies and when to modify or stop care.
The paper, which was supported by an educational grant from CooperVision, also discusses potential future avenues for myopia management, including a continuum of care starting with the delay of onset followed by individual or combination therapies to slow myopia progression.
Mr James Gardner, vice president of Global Myopia Management at CooperVision, said he hoped the paper would have global reach.
“We hope this comprehensive review reaches optometrists to offer sound, science-backed evaluation that can help advance myopia management strategies in practices worldwide.
“Clinical education plays an important role in our efforts to see more children undertake myopia management, alongside ongoing research, groundbreaking products such as our MiSight 1-day contact lenses, advocacy and corporate social responsibility initiatives.”
Professor Mark Bullimore is guest speaker at a special CPD-accredited live webinar, titled Myopia MythBusters Down Under, presented by the CooperVision Academy.
The webinar will take place on 26 May from 7:00pm to 8:30pm (AEST) and 9:00pm to 10:30pm (NZST). Click here to register.
Adjunct professor at the University of Houston, Bullimore is also associate editor of Ophthalmic & Physiological Optics and the former editor of Optometry and Vision Science and is well-known for his expertise in myopia, contact lenses, low vision, presbyopia, and refractive surgery.
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