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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2025 Annual Meeting is being held in Salt Lake City, Utah, from May 4-8, 2025. Myopia management is one of the most popular research topics at the event, with many leaders in the industry sharing their myopia-related findings. While the meeting featured hundreds of presentations and posters on myopia management, Review of Myopia Management will be highlighting several noteworthy research findings throughout the event.
Here are some of the research highlights from day one of ARVO.
Spectacles
Slowing myopia progression with cylindrical annular refractive elements (CARE) – results from a 2-year prospective multi-center trial
Xiaoqin Chen, Min Wu, Cui yu, Arne Ohlendorf, Wayne Li, Youhua Yang, Yi Zhu, Lihua Li, Nicole Liu, Padmaja Sankaridurg
This study evaluated the effectiveness of two types of spectacle lenses incorporating cylindrical annular refractive elements (CARE) in slowing myopia progression compared to single vision spectacle lenses (SV). Conducted as a two-year prospective, double-masked, multi-center clinical trial, the research involved 240 Chinese children aged 6-13 years with spherical equivalent refractive errors ranging from -0.75D to -5.00D. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: single vision SPL, MyoCare with a +4.6D mean surface power, and MyoCare S with a +3.8D mean surface power. Cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) and axial length (AL) were measured at six-month intervals. Results indicated that myopia progression was significantly slower in both MyoCare groups compared to the SV group. After 24 months, the MyoCare lenses showed a mean SE progression of -0.73D and AL elongation of 0.40 mm, while the SV group had -1.15D and 0.59 mm, respectively. The study also found that older children (10-13 years) experienced greater benefits from MyoCare lenses. These findings suggest that MyoCare and MyoCare S lenses are effective options for slowing myopia progression in children, providing eye care professionals with valuable alternatives to traditional single vision lenses.
Low-Dose Atropine
Seven-Year Clinical Trial of Low-concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP1) Study: Phase 5 Report
Jason Yam, Yuzhou Zhang, Xiu Juan Zhang, Ka Wai Kam, Clement C. Tham, Calvin C P Pang, Li Jia Chen
This study aimed to evaluate the optimal treatment cessation strategy for minimizing rebound myopia progression in children previously treated with low-concentration atropine. The research involved a randomized, double-masked trial with children aged 4–12 years who were originally part of the Low-Concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP1) study, followed for seven years. During the trial, participants were divided into two cessation strategies: the Stop group, which ceased treatment entirely, and the Taper group, which gradually reduced the dosage of atropine. The study monitored changes in spherical equivalent (SE) refraction and axial length (AL) over two years, focusing on the pre-cessation phase (year 6) and cessation phase (year 7). Results showed that both groups had similar SE progression and AL elongation during the pre-cessation phase. However, in the cessation phase, the Taper group exhibited less myopia progression compared to the Stop group, suggesting a potential advantage of tapering off treatment. These findings indicate that a tapering approach may be more effective in managing rebound myopia after treatment cessation. Eye care professionals should consider recommending a tapering strategy for children discontinuing atropine treatment to help mitigate myopia progression.
Safety and efficacy of high dose (0.5%) vs low dose (0.05%) atropine in European children: interim results of the MAD trial
Jan Roelof Polling, Dirk Jan van Hemert, Kübra Liman, Judith S. den Hartog, Jacoline C. de Geus, Wieneke P. Koppenol, Martine Hordijk-de Boer, Magda A. Meester, Caroline C W Klaver
The Myopia Atropine Dose (MAD) trial is an ongoing study assessing the safety and efficacy of atropine 0.5% versus 0.05% in children with progressive myopia. This interim analysis evaluated myopia progression and potential hazards at 6 and 12 months among 320 children recruited from 20 centers in the Netherlands. Participants had a mean age of 8.67 years, with a baseline axial length (AL) of 24.33 mm and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) of -2.63D. Throughout the study, visual acuity remained stable, with only a small percentage experiencing temporary declines. Notably, pupil diameter increased significantly, while intraocular pressure (IOP) and heart rate showed minimal changes. Adverse events were mostly mild, including photophobia in 4.2% of children and allergic reactions in 2.4%. Efficacy results indicated a mean AL change of +0.025 mm at 6 months and +0.126 mm at 12 months, with SER improvements of +0.29D and +0.055D, respectively. These findings suggest that atropine is well-tolerated and effective in slowing myopia progression, supporting the use of higher-dose atropine in European children. Eye care professionals may consider these results when discussing treatment options for progressive myopia. Further unmasking will provide insights into dose-specific effects.
