“The start is what stops most people.” –Don Shula
Overall, only 23% of myopic patients aged 18 and under are receiving some form of myopia therapy.1 And that’s just in the U.S. practices that offer myopia management. Not only does this create an enormous opportunity to impact ocular health and vision for an entire generation of young people, but it also offers a tremendous practice opportunity.
Dwight Akerman, OD, MBA, FAAO, FBCLA, FIACLE, Medical Editor Emeritus of Review of Myopia Management, says that “myopia management has transcended its status as an emerging concept to become an indispensable standard of care within optometry and ophthalmology.”
The known risks are too great to do nothing. The rise in myopia, especially high myopia, is linked to an increased risk of associated ocular pathologies. These include potential blindness and other vision-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy and glaucoma. It’s not just high myopia that’s a risk factor. In fact, more than one-third of myopic macular degeneration cases are observed in people with low to moderate myopia. Beyond potential vision impairment, myopia negatively impacts quality of life and contributes to significant economic costs.
The time to act is now. Increased digital device usage and less playtime outside influence myopia progression. Neither of these environmental influences is likely to change. As a result, experts predict a significant rise in myopia prevalence globally.
AN UPDATED Rx IS NOT ENOUGH
Myopia progression is not a benign condition. Correcting vision with single-vision spectacles or contact lenses is no longer sufficient. Delaying treatment to “wait and see” is not an effective strategy. Instead, strategies in a more targeted therapeutic purpose, as well as holistic approaches, have become more vital. Effective strategies include increasing outdoor time, prescribing specialized contact lenses or spectacles and incorporating pharmaceutical treatments such as atropine therapy. Furthermore, eye care professionals (ECPs) should actively educate their patients and the public on the importance of regular eye exams and let people know that there are effective strategies to slow myopia progression.
Many ECPs have aligned themselves with the idea that the impact of progressive myopia can be managed. However, for some, they found disconnects between cognitive understanding and practical challenges. They may find that the starting point is elusive or the initiative hasn’t gained the traction they hoped for.
HOW THIS GUIDE CAN HELP
In bringing you this guide, Review of Myopia Management hopes to help ECPs get their staff, patients and communities engaged with myopia management. It offers practical tips, evidence-based practices and the personal experiences of optometrists who are at various stages of implementing myopia management into their practices.
The guide is organized into three primary components:
- Clinical
- Practice management
- Financial
ECPs can use this guide in its entirety or skip to those areas where they may need renewed energy or focus. It also lists sources for ongoing updates, as artificial intelligence, new research and evidence and new products continue to shape this important area of practice.*
In general, adopting a proactive, evidence-based approach to myopia, integrating available therapies into clinical practice and emphasizing patient-centered care allows you to enhance individual patient outcomes, contribute to the global reduction of the long-term impact of myopia-related vision impairment. Additionally, it will also create opportunity and financial growth for your practice.
In summary, “Myopia management is no longer optional — it is our professional duty and responsibility,” says Ashley Tucker, OD, FAAO, FSLS, Medical Co-Editor of Review of Myopia Management. “As optometrists, we are uniquely positioned to lead this mission. Protecting a child’s sight is protecting their future.”
Kevin Chan, OD, MS, FAAO, IACMM, Medical Co-Editor of Review of Myopia Management echoed the sentiment, saying, “‘Having the heart and desire of getting started already puts you ahead of the journey. Getting started with myopia management can be a reckoning and an invigorating journey for you and your practice.”
Disclaimer: With the evolving development of novel information and technology, this guide serves as a valuable resource. It does not represent or endorse any specific products or services pertaining to myopia management.
References
- Jobson Optical Research, Myopia Management 2024 Survey report
Read more articles in the Getting Started with Myopia Management series. Be sure to check back as the series will be updated regularly with more content.
