Interventions to reduce incidence and progression of myopia in children and adults

Abstract

The alarming increase in childhood myopia has emerged as a significant public health concern. Due to its long-term consequences, there is also an expanding interest in adult-onset myopia. This review provides a comprehensive summary of interventions for slowing the onset and progression of myopia and discusses factors influencing their efficacy. Outdoor time is an effective intervention for at-risk pre-myopes, which can reduce myopia onset by up to 50 % and has been implemented on a large scale in some countries through school reforms. 0.05 % atropine and repeated low-level red light (RLRL) have also shown the potential to prevent myopia onset by approximately 50 %, though the cost-benefit of implementing them on a large scale warrants more research. Low-concentration atropine, various designs of peripheral defocus spectacles, contact lenses, and RLRL effectively slow myopia progression by at least 50 %. A history of higher baseline myopia status, faster baseline progression, parental myopia, high-risk lifestyle, and less outdoor time requires rigorous interventions. When combined with RLRL or atropine concentrations higher than 0.025 %, orthokeratology significantly improves myopia control in fast progressors and/or high myopes. Combining low-concentration atropine with peripheral defocus glasses or dual-focus contact lenses also yields better efficacy than monotherapy. There is limited research on adult myopia control, but offering comprehensive lifestyle and visual environment recommendations remains essential. Consistent use of these interventions and thorough safety monitoring are crucial for building clinical confidence. The success of myopia control hinges on personalization, given the diverse factors influencing efficacy and the challenges of large-scale implementation.