This article was originally published in a sponsored newsletter.

As first-line providers of eye health and vision, we have a responsibility to stay at the forefront of innovation and provide the best possible care to patients. In recent years, the fields of optometry and ophthalmology have witnessed a paradigm shift in the management of myopia, evolving from mere correction to proactive intervention. It’s time to embrace this change and integrate myopia management into our private practices.

The Growing Epidemic of Myopia

Myopia has reached epidemic proportions globally, with prevalence rates soaring to unprecedented levels. Research indicates that by 2050, nearly half of the world's population will be myopic,¹ posing significant challenges to eye health professionals and society at large. The time to act is now.

Traditional approaches to myopia correction, while effective in improving visual acuity, do little to address the underlying progression of the condition. As practitioners, we have the opportunity to shift our focus from reactive treatment to proactive management, thereby reducing the risk of sight-threatening complications associated with high myopia.²

Key Strategies for Implementation

1. Education and Awareness  Start by educating yourself and your staff about the latest evidence-based practices in myopia management. Stay abreast of emerging research and attend relevant continuing education courses to expand your knowledge base.
2. Patient Engagement  Initiate conversations with patients and parents about the importance of myopia management. Highlight the long-term benefits of proactive intervention, including reduced risk of ocular complications² and improved quality of life.
3. Clinical Protocols  Develop standardized clinical protocols for myopia assessment and management within your practice. Incorporate tools such as axial length measurement and myopia progression interventions such as low-dose atropine drops, center-distance multifocal lenses, and orthokeratology.³
4. Multidisciplinary Collaboration  Foster partnerships with other health care professionals, educators, and community leaders to promote a holistic approach to myopia management.⁴ By working together, eyecare practitioners can address the multifactorial nature of myopia and implement comprehensive strategies for prevention and intervention.

The Path Forward

By integrating myopia management into our private practices, practitioners not only enhance the quality of care provided but also are positioned as leaders in the field of optometry. Together, let's rise to the challenge and make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.

1. Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Opthalmology. 2016 May;123:1036-1042.

2. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012 Nov;31:622-660.

3. Walline JJ, Lindsley KB, Vedula SS, et al. Interventions to slow progression of myopia in children. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 Jan 13;1:CD004916.

4. World Council of Optometry. Global Myopia Awareness Coalition. Available at worldcouncilofoptometry.info/global-myopia-awareness-coalition-gmac. Accessed 2024 May 17.