Facing the epidemic of myopia: Exploring the possibilities

Due to accumulating evidence of an epidemic of myopia throughout the world with the associated high risk of sight-threatening complications (including myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment, choroidal neovascularization, cataract, and glaucoma) and a high socioeconomic burden, research scientists have studied methods to reduce myopia progression. Various methods to control myopia progression, including undercorrecting myopia, bifocal or multifocal spectacles, orthokeratology (rigid gas permeable) contact lenses, and topical pharmaceutical agents,[8] have yielded disappointing results or positive results of marginal clinical significance. The ATOM 1 study reported that instillation of 1% atropine eye drops nightly in one eye over a 2-year period was well tolerated and effective in slowing the progression of low and moderate myopia by 77% and reducing the increase in axial length (mean axial length increase of 0.39 mm in controls versus no growth in atropine-treated eyes).