Rate Of Myopia Progression Research Articles

Epidemiology of Myopia: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Effects of Myopia.

Myopia is the most common cause of visual impairment in children and young adults. In order to assess the consequences for society, it is necessary to know temporal trends in prevalence, incidence and associated factors in childhood and adolescence, as well as the rate of myopia progression, as based on epidemiological research. This paper presents a literature review of publications from 2020 up to March 2024, supplemented by other relevant publications. The prevalence of myopia in children and adolescents in Germany is almost stable and is significantly lower than in Asia. The development of myopia is influenced by outdoor activity, parental myopia, genetics and near work, while insufficient time spent outdoors in childhood is a significant and controllable risk factor for myopia-related complications such as myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.

Efficacy of Combining Highly Aspherical Lenslets Spectacles With 0.01% Atropine Eye Drops in Myopia Control

To explore the difference in myopia control efficacy between spectacle lenses with highly aspherical lenslets (HAL) combined with 0.01% atropine eye drops and spectacle lenses with HAL alone or single vision spectacle lenses (SVL) in children and adolescents. A retrospective cohort study was conducted with a total of 105 myopic children aged 6-15 years. According to the specific myopia correction and control methods of each subject, they were evenly divided into the HAL+0.01% atropine (HAL+AT) group, the HAL group, and the SVL group, with 35 subjects in each group. Relevant data, such as cycloplegic refraction and axial length (AL) at baseline and 12 months after wearing spectacles, were retrieved. One-way analysis of variance, or the Kruskal-Wallis test, was used to analyze the changes in AL and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) after wearing spectacles for 12 months in comparison to those at baseline in the three groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline parameters and duration of wearing spectacles among the three groups (P>0.05). After wearing spectacles for 12 months, the changes in SER were －0.13 (－0.25, 0.00) D, －0.25 (－0.63, －0.25) D, and －0.63 (－1.00, －0.25) D in the HAL+AT group, HAL group, and SVL group, respectively; AL elongation in the three groups was (0.09±0.11) mm, (0.19±0.16) mm, and (0.34±0.16) mm, respectively. The HAL+AT group exhibited slower SER changes (P HAL+AT vs. HAL=0.001, P HAL+AT vs. SVL=0.002) and AL elongation (P HAL+AT vs. HAL=0.009, P HAL+AT vs. SVL=0.001) than those of the HAL and the SVL groups. Compared with those of the SVL group, myopia progression was reduced by 79.4% and AL elongation was slowed down by 73.5% in the HAL+AT group, while in the HAL group, myopia progression and AL elongation were reduced by 60.3% and 44.1%, respectively. According to stratified analysis based on age and myopia progression rate, among younger children aged 6 to 8 years and older children aged 9 to 15 years, the HAL+AT group had a significantly lower proportion of subjects experiencing fast AL elongation (AL>0.36 mm/year) and a significantly higher proportion of subjects experiencing slow AL elongation (AL≤0.18 mm/year) compared to the SVL group (P<0.017). The combination intervention of spectacle lenses with HAL and 0.01% atropine eye drops is effective in controlling myopia progression in children and adolescents, with better myopia control effect achieved using this combination intervention in myopic children of all ages.

Can we really distinguish 'responders' from 'non-responders' to myopia control interventions?

It is common to hear talk of 'responders' and 'non-responders' with respect to myopia control interventions. We consider the reality of distinguishing these sub-groups using data from the first year of the Low-concentration Atropine for Myopia Progression (LAMP) study. The first year of the LAMP study was a robustly designed, placebo-controlled trial of three different low concentrations of atropine using a large sample size (N > 100 randomised to each group). The authors subsequently published mean axial elongation and myopia progression rates by age group. We used these data to calculate efficacy in terms of both absolute reduction in myopic progression and absolute reduction in axial elongation for each of the different atropine concentrations at each age group. We then compared these efficacy data to the overall progression for each of the two progression metrics. Plotting efficacy as a function of overall myopia progression and axial elongation for each of the different atropine concentrations demonstrates the invariant nature of efficacy, in terms of clinically meaningful reduction in progression, despite a substantial range of underlying overall progression. That is, faster progressors-the so-called non-responders-achieved similar reduction in axial elongation and myopia progression as the slower progressors-the so-called responders-within the various atropine treatment groups. The use of the terms, responders and non-responders, during myopia progression interventions is not supported by evidence. Those designated as such may simply be slower or faster progressors, who, on average achieve the same benefit from treatment.

Posterior scleral reinforcement surgery effectively slows the rate of high myopic progression in children

To investigate the rate of axial length elongation and high myopia progression in operated eyes before and after posterior scleral reinforcement (PSR) surgery. This was a retrospective study. Children with pathological myopia treated with PSR at Beijing Tongren Hospital between May 2013 and May 2020 were recruited into the PSR surgery group. Children matched for age and myopia were recruited into the control group. All children underwent comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations. The presurgical and postsurgical rates of axial length elongation and myopic (spherical equivalent) progression were calculated. A total of 35 PSR patients were included in the study. The mean age was 6.5±3.0years (range 2 to 14years). Mean follow-up was 544days (range 216 to 1657days). The rate of axial length elongation was significantly less after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (0.505±0.048mm per year prior to surgery; 0.382±0.045mm per year after surgery, P<0.001). The rate of myopic progression decreased after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (1.162±0.118D per year prior to surgery; 0.153±0.437D per year after surgery, P=0.0239). There was no statistically significant difference in axial length elongation or myopic progression between pre-inclusion and post-inclusion in the control group. Moreover, the children's best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved after posterior scleral reinforcement surgery (P<0.001). Posterior scleral reinforcement surgery effectively decreased the rate of high myopic progression and axial length elongation in children.

Visual performance of optical films utilizing Spatio-Temporal Optical Phase technology.

Spatio-Temporal Optical Phase technology utilizes film pairs containing optical elements applied to standard single-vision spectacle lenses. This technology provides a dynamic optical cue that may have efficacy in reducing the rate of myopia progression, but the visual performance of this technology is unknown. This study aimed to assess the visual performance of film pairs containing optical elements (tests) and a film pair with no optical elements (control). In this randomized, single-masked, bilateral wear study, 42 participants aged 18 to 40 years wore four test designs (E, F-1, G, and F-2) and the control. Subjective data (subjective ratings [1 to 10 scale]: clarity of vision [far-away, intermediate, near] and vision [at night, while walking, overall satisfaction], and willingness to purchase [yes/no response]) were collected after 3 days. Visual acuity (VA)-based measures (monocular high/low-contrast VA [6 m], contrast sensitivity [6 m], and binocular high-contrast VA [6 m and 40 cm]) were collected at dispensing. Visual acuity-based measures were also collected while wearing spectacles with no film. Analyses were performed using linear mixed models and the χ2 test. Significance was set at 5%. The control performed better than any test for all subjective ratings (mean differences, 1.6 to 3.1 units: p<0.001), willingness to purchase (p<0.001), and designs F-1 and F-2 for binocular high-contrast VA at 40 cm (p=0.001 and p=0.01, respectively). Clarity of vision was significantly worse with F-2 compared with F-1 and G (p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). There were no differences between tests for any other subjective rating (p>0.1), willingness to purchase (p=0.11), or any VA-based measure (p>0.08). There were no differences between control and spectacles with no film for any VA-based measure (p>0.08). All four test film pairs reduced visual performance compared with control to a degree comparable with other myopia management devices. There was no difference in visual performance between three of the four test film pairs.

Effect of Low-dose Atropine on Myopia Control in Children Operated for Intermittent Exotropia

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of low-dose atropine on myopia control in children with a history of surgery for intermittent exotropia (IXT).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children who used 0.05% atropine for ≥ 1 year to control myopia progression. This group included 45 patients with a history of IXT surgery and 57 patients with no such history. The annual changes in spherical equivalent and axial length were compared 6 months before, 6 months after, and 1 year after atropine instillation between the IXT surgery group and myopia controls. In this comparison, the dominant eye was paired with the right eye and the non-dominant eye with the left eye. We also analyzed the difference between IXT surgery cases corrected within versus not within 10 prism diopters (PD) at the start of low-dose atropine treatment.Results: A total of 102 patients had an average of -3.81 ± 1.53 diopters (D) and used low-dose atropine for an average of 16.8 months from a mean age of 8.2 years. On average, the IXT surgery group underwent muscle surgery for 28.1 PD of IXT at 7.8 years. A year after instillation, the myopia progression rate was -0.52 ± 0.89 D/year and 0.27 ± 0.40 mm/year in the IXT surgery group compared to -0.47 ± 0.83 D/year and 0.31 ± 0.24 mm/year in the myopia control group with no significant differences. However, after 6 months of instillation, the dominant eye in the IXT surgery group exhibited a significantly faster myopia progression rate than the right eye in the myopia control group (-0.84 ± 1.61 D/year vs. -0.56 ± 0.80 D/year, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.04; 0.27 ± 0.33 mm/year vs. 0.22 ± 0.21 mm/year, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.02). No difference was found in the myopia control effect between corrected and uncorrected cases in the IXT surgery group.Conclusions: The effect of low-dose atropine on myopia control in children after IXT surgery was similar to that in myopia controls. However, it was less effective in the dominant eye during the early treatment period.

Exemplifying practice-based research: the influence of age on myopia progression

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance The electronic storage of patient records and modern-day search engines present private practitioners with a unique opportunity to extract valuable data for investigative research purposes. However, practitioners seldom harness this resource and consequently a vast repository of clinical data remains largely unexplored. Background This study, based on real-world data from an optometric practice, stands as an example of how clinicians can actively contribute to research. In doing so it underscores the role played by age in determining the rate of natural myopia progression. Methods A retrospective data analysis of the refractive status, age and optical correction type of participants, was conducted over six years. Forty-four participants were recruited (25 contact lens and 19 spectacle wearers), with a presenting age varying from 5 to 20 years (median, 11 years). Non-cycloplegic, monocular foveal refractions were completed using a ShinNippon open-field autorefractor, corroborated with subjective refraction. The mean spherical equivalent refractive error was calculated for the participants’ initial visit (baseline measure) and for a six-year follow-up visit (progression measure), with myopia progression defined as the difference between these measures. Statistical analyses were computed using Decision Tree Analysis, with a significance level set at 95%. Results The participant age at first visit exerted a significant influence on natural myopia progression over the assessment period (F 1,42 = 17.11, p < 0.001). Individuals aged ≤ 10 years had approximately twice the myopic progression (mean, −2.27 D) of those aged > 10 years (mean, −1.13 D). Neither degree of myopia at the initial visit nor optical correction type had a significant effect on progression (p > 0.05). Conclusions Utilizing the advantage of small real-world data samples, the benefit of research by private practitioners was demonstrated, providing evidence that the age at which a child first presents for an eye examination is highly influential in determining their rate of myopia progression.

Exploring the Impact of Low-Concentration Atropine Eye Drops on the Progression of Myopia: A Systematic Review

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Low-concentration atropine eye drops have emerged as a promising therapy for the management of myopia. However, the effectiveness of atropine for myopia has not been widely studied. This paper aims to analyze the efficacy of low-concentration atropine eye drops for progression of myopia.&#x0D; Methods : A comprehensive literature search was performed on 3 online databases: PubMed, Cochrane, and ProQuest. We used 'Low-concentration atropine eye drops’, ‘Atropine’, ‘Eye Drops’, ‘Myopia’, and their MeSH terms as keywords. All studies included in analysis were available in English and full text format. We analyzed children myopia progression rates from all studies. We used Rayyan, an online-based tool, to conduct the screening process.&#x0D; Results : Three randomized control trials (RCTs), two cohort studies, and three case report studies with a total of 1389 participants were analyzed. Most studies were done in Asia, except one RCT in Australia. The participants range from 4-12 years old. Atropine eye drops concentrations that had been used were 0,01%, 0,025%, 0,05%, 0,1%, 0,125%, and 0,2%. All studies showed slower progression rate of myopia compared to the control group (-0,31 D vs -0,90 D; -0,05 D vs -1,05 D; -0,27 D vs -0,81 D; -0,28 D vs -0,54 D; -0,18 D vs -0,45 D;−0.31 D vs −0.76 D; -0.91 vs -1.00 D; -0,38D vs -0,55 D) with P &lt; 0,05, except one study P = 0,94.&#x0D; Conclusion : Low-concentration atropine eye drops have shown promising effects in slowing progression of myopia. However, further research is needed, particularly in non-Asian countries.

Could Children's Myopization Have Been Avoided during the Pandemic Confinement? The Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence (CUVAF) Biomarker as an Answer.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the presence of conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (CUVAF) with the level and progression of myopia and the impact of reduced sunlight exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic confinement (PC). A retrospective observational study was carried out using three cohorts, children (9-17 years old), young adults (18-25 years old), and adults (>40 years old) with myopia (≤0.75D) and at least three annual eye examinations (before and after PC). All participants underwent an automatic objective refraction and CUVAF area analysis. All the participants filled out a questionnaire regarding lifestyle and myopia history. The 298 recruited participants showed that during the PC, children's and young adults' myopia progression rate increased on average by -0.50 and -0.30 D/year, respectively, compared with the pre-pandemic level (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01). A significantly greater progression was observed in those with low baseline myopia compared to those with moderate or high myopia (p < 0.01). CUVAF shows its protective effect associated with outdoor activity (OA) with regard to the age of onset of myopia and mean diopters (p < 0.01). In fact, although there were no differences in the increase in diopters between children with and without CUVAF during the PC, those who had CUVAF started with lower gains (-0.3 D/year) compared to those who did not (-0.5 D/year; p < 0.05). The myopia treatments (atropine drops, Ortho-K, and MiSight® contact lenses) showed a reduction effect in myopic progression rate post-PC in comparison with non-treated children (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.01, respectively). The strict restriction of OA during PC led to the rate of myopia progression doubling among children and young adults. This progression occurred mainly in children with previously low myopia, and CUVAF, as a biomarker of OA, reflects its potential to provide benefits in the form of recommended behavioral changes to protect against the development of myopia.

Low-dose atropine 0.01% for the treatment of childhood myopia: a pan-India multicentric retrospective study

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of low-dose atropine 0.01% in controlling myopia progression among Indian children over a 2-year period.MethodsThis retrospective study, conducted across 20...

Longitudinal analysis of refraction and ocular biometrics in preschool children with early-onset high myopia

We investigated changes in refraction and ocular biometrics in preschool children with early-onset high myopia. Sixty eyes of 60 children with a mean follow-up time of 58.5 months were included in this study. At baseline, mean age of children was 55.6 ± 13.1 months, mean spherical equivalent (SE) was − 8.59 ± 2.66 D, and 25.64 ± 1.16 mm for axial length (AL). The total annual rate of myopic progression and axial elongation were − 0.37 ± 0.39 D/year and 0.33 ± 0.18 mm/year, respectively. During follow-up period, there was a trend toward less myopic progression and axial elongation over time. Of the total participants, 24 children (40%) were in the myopia progression group and the remaining 36 children (60%) were in the myopia stability group. In multiple linear regression analysis, baseline SE and AL were independently associated with myopic progression, while age, sex, and baseline AL-to-CR ratio were not related to myopic progression. According to the model, more myopic SE (β = − 0.186, P = 0.035) and longer AL (β = − 0.391, P = 0.008) at baseline were significantly associated with myopic progression. Myopia progression in preschoolers with high myopia tended to be relatively modest, with 60% of subjects exhibited myopic stability. Higher myopic SE, and longer AL at baseline were associated with myopic progression in preschool children with high myopia.

Myopia progression patterns among paediatric patients in a clinical setting.

This retrospective analysis of electronic medical record (EMR) data investigated the natural history of myopic progression in children from optometric practices in Ireland. The analysis was of myopic patients aged 7-17 with multiple visits and not prescribed myopia control treatment. Sex- and age-specific population centiles for annual myopic progression were derived by fitting a weighted cubic spline to empirical quantiles. These were compared to progression rates derived from control group data obtained from 17 randomised clinical trials (RCTs) for myopia. Linear mixed models (LMMs) were used to allow comparison of myopia progression rates against outputs from a predictive online calculator. Survival analysis was performed to determine the intervals at which a significant level of myopic progression was predicted to occur. Myopia progression was highest in children aged 7 years (median: -0.67 D/year) and progressively slowed with increasing age (median: -0.18 D/year at age 17). Female sex (p < 0.001), a more myopic SER at baseline (p < 0.001) and younger age (p < 0.001) were all found to be predictive of faster myopic progression. Every RCT exhibited a mean progression higher than the median centile observed in the EMR data, while clinic-based studies more closely matched the median progression rates. The LMM predicted faster myopia progression for patients with higher baseline myopia levels, in keeping with previous studies, which was in contrast to an online calculator that predicted slower myopia progression for patients with higher baseline myopia. Survival analysis indicated that at a recall period of 12 months, myopia will have progressed in between 10% and 70% of children, depending upon age. This study produced progression centiles of untreated myopic children, helping to define the natural history of untreated myopia. This will enable clinicians to better predict both refractive outcomes without treatment and monitor treatment efficacy, particularly in the absence of axial length data.

Assessing Low-Concentration Atropine in Myopia Progression: A Systematic Review

Objective: Low-concentration atropine (LCA) eye drop is used as a promising treatment for the management of myopia but its effectiveness has not been widely evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the efficacy of LCA eye drop for myopia progression. Materials and Methods: This review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines and a comprehensive literature search was performed on 3 online databases including PubMed, Cochrane, and ProQuest. The keywords used included ‘Low-concentration atropine eye drop’, ‘Atropine’, ‘Eye Drop’, ‘Myopia’, and their Mesh. All studies included were available in English and full-text format. Myopia progression rates were analyzed from all studies, and Rayyan, an online-based tool was used in the screening process. Results: The results showed that 3 randomized control trials (RCT), 2 cohort studies, and 3 case reports with a total of 1389 participants were analyzed. The majority studies were conducted in Asia, while one RCT was performed in Australia. The participants ranged from 4-12 years old, while atropine eye drop concentrations used were 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.125%, and 0.2%. All studies showed a slower progression rate of myopia in the atropine group compared to the control (-0.31 D vs. -0.90 D; -0.05 D vs. -1.05 D; -0.27 D vs. -0.81 D; -0.28 D vs. -0.54 D; -0.36 D vs. -0.90 D;−0.31 D vs. −0.76 D; -0.31 vs. -0.53 D; -0.38 D vs. -0.55 D) with P &lt; 0.05. Conclusion: LCA eye drop showed promising effects in slowing myopia progression. However, further investigation is needed, particularly in non-Asian countries.

Effectiveness 0.05% Atropine for Controlling Myopia Progression in School Going Children

Purpose: Although there is evidence that Atropine is effective in improving myopia but there is variable response with use of 0.05% concentration. We conducted this study to find mean change in myopia progression after giving 0.05% Atropine to school going children with myopia Study Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Unit-II, Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Hospital, Lahorefrom 3rdNovember 2020 to 3rd February 2021. Methods: One hundred children of 5 to 14 years of age with myopia greater than 0.5 D were selected by consecutive sampling.Patients with other refractive errors, other ocular diseases or ocular surgeries were excluded. Cycloplegic retinoscopy was performed and 0.05% atropine eye drops were advised once at night for 3 months. Cycloplegic retinoscope was performed and change in myopia progression (mean myopia progression rate) was calculated. Paired T-test was applied to calculate significant change in myopia. P-value≤0.05 was taken as significant. Data was stratified for age, gender and duration of myopia. Results: Mean age of children was 9.26±2.87 years. There were 40% males and Male-to-female ratio was 1:1.5. Mean duration of myopia was 13.81±6.04 months. Mean myopia at baseline was -1.02±0.30D, which was improved to -0.18±0.44 D after treatment. Mean change in myopia after treatment was -0.84±0.30 D. The change was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Atropine 0.05% is effective in reducing degrees of myopia and may help in preventing myopia progression in school going children.

Myopic progression in school-aged children with moderate intermittent exotropia.

It is still controversial whether intermittent exotropia (IXT) affects myopic progression during the critical period of visual development. This study retrospectively analyzed the long-term myopic changes and the impact of IXT surgery on myopic progression in school-aged children with moderate IXT. The medical records of 65 children from 5 to 13 years old with or without IXT between 2015 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients whose spherical equivalent refraction (SER) were less than -3.00 diopter (D) were included and divided into three groups: IXT surgery group (Group A), which comprised 22 IXT patients who received IXT surgery, IXT observation group (Group B), which comprises 19 IXT patients who only received long-term observational follow-up; and normal control group (Group C), which comprised 24 normal controls without IXT. The main outcome measurement was the rate of myopic progression, which was defined as the mean myopic shift in SER per year. The 3- and 5-years long-term follow-up rates of myopic progression were -0.47 ± 0.28 D per year and -0.48 ± 0.23 D per year respectively in Group B, and those were significantly slower than that in Group C (-0.73 ± 0.32 D per year and -0.76 ± 0.19 D per year respectively). However, there was no significant difference in the rate of myopic progression between Group A and B or between Group A and C. Moderate IXT may have lower rate of myopic progression in school-aged children. Whether IXT surgery influence the rate of myopic progression still needs further study.

Advances in myopia prevention strategies for school-aged children: a comprehensive review.

Myopia has significantly risen in East and Southeast Asia, and the pathological outcomes of this condition, such as myopic maculopathy and optic neuropathy linked to high myopia, have emerged as leading causes of irreversible vision loss. Addressing this issue requires strategies to reduce myopia prevalence and prevent progression to high myopia. Encouraging outdoor activities for schoolchildren and reducing near-work and screen time can effectively prevent myopia development, offering a safe intervention that promotes healthier habits. Several clinical approaches can be employed to decelerate myopia progression, such as administering low-dose atropine eye drops (0.05%), utilizing orthokeratology lenses, implementing soft contact lenses equipped with myopia control features, and incorporating spectacle lenses with aspherical lenslets. When choosing an appropriate strategy, factors such as age, ethnicity, and the rate of myopia progression should be considered. However, some treatments may encounter obstacles such as adverse side effects, high costs, complex procedures, or limited effectiveness. Presently, low-dose atropine (0.05%), soft contact lenses with myopia control features, and orthokeratology lenses appear as promising options for managing myopia. The measures mentioned above are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and researchers are increasingly exploring their combined effects. By advocating for a personalized approach based on individual risk factors and the unique needs of each child, this review aims to contribute to the development of targeted and effective myopia prevention strategies, thereby minimizing the impact of myopia and its related complications among school-aged children in affected regions.

Long-Term Efficacy of Orthokeratology to Control Myopia Progression.

To assess the efficacy of orthokeratology in controlling the rate of myopia progression in children and investigate the factors associated with axial length (AL) growth rate with an average of 48 months of orthokeratology lens wear. As a retrospective study, 84 subjects underwent relatively complete ophthalmologic examinations. After initial lens wear, AL was measured on average every 12 months. The linear mixed-effects model (LMM) was used to compare the differences in AL growth rates at each time interval. The contribution of the independent variables to AL change was assessed using multiple linear regression. In the LMM, there was a significant difference in the AL growth rate ( P <0.001) at each follow-up. The growth rate of AL was associated with initial AL, spherical equivalent refractive errors (SERs) and diameter of lens ( P =0.045, 0.003 and 0.037, respectively). When the baseline age was included as a factor, the influence of initial AL and SER became insignificant in the analysis, whereas age and diameter of lens were significantly correlated with the growth rate of AL ( P< 0.001 and P< 0.001, respectively). There were significant differences in growth rates among different age groups. Results of the study demonstrated that the factors associated with lower growth rate in AL were older age and longer diameter of lens.

Comparison of myopia progression among Chinese schoolchildren before and during COVID-19 pandemic: a meta-analysis.

To compare myopia progression in Chinese schoolchildren before and after the COVID-19 pandemic home confinement. This study was done through the data searched from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from January 2022 to March 2023 related to the COVID-19 pandemic home confinement and myopia progression among Chinese schoolchildren. Myopia progression was evaluated by the mean change of spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sex and regional differences in myopia progression among schoolchildren before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were also analyzed. A total of eight eligible studies were included in this study. There was a significant difference in SER before and during home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic (OR = 0.34; 95%CI = [0.23, 0.44]; Z = 6.39; P < 0.00001), but no significant difference in AL (OR = 0.16; 95%CI = [-0.09, 0.41]; Z = 1.22, P = 0.22). There was a significant difference in SER between male and female groups during the COVID-19 home confinement (OR = 0.10; 95%CI = [0.00, 0.19]; Z = 1.98, P = 0.05). As for regional analysis, there was a significant difference in SER between urban and rural areas during the COVID-19 quarantine period (OR = -0.56; 95%CI = [-0.88, -0.25]; Z = 3.50, P = 0.0005). Compared with the time before the COVID-19 home confinement, a higher rate of myopic progression among Chinese schoolchildren during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic was demonstrated.

Virtual/E-Learning Education and its Correlation to Childhood Obesity Rates &amp; Vision Problems during the COVID-19 ERA in Government School, Fujairah: Retrospective Observational Study

Virtual/E-Learning Education and its Correlation to Childhood Obesity Rates &amp; Vision Problems during the COVID-19 ERA in Government School, Fujairah: Retrospective Observational Study

A comparative study on slow down progression of myopia using atropine 0.01% in children

The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of lower concentration of Atropine 0.01% in promoting unaided visual acuity and slowing down the progression of myopia in children over 6 months. It was a hospital-based comparative study in the outpatient department of Ophthalmology, AL, LT, ACD, PPD, SPD, PGP were taken by Lenstar and Lensometer.The Comparative study was performed on 60 children from 9 to 15 years age group with initial myopic spherical equivalence from 0.5 to 6.00 D. The children were screened for visual acuity for distance and near using Snellen’s chart. Cycloplegic Refraction was done to know the presence of Refractive Errors. This study was approved by IRB Ethical Committee. (SCAHS/IRB/2022/JULY/420).The inclusion criteria include Ammetropic children with no binocular vision anomalies and no history of ocular disease. The primary outcome was the rate of myopic progression after 6 months. The participants were instructed to use Atropine 0.01% eye drops during night times for 6 months and the rate of myopic progression and the spherical equivalence, axial length, lens thickness, anterior chamber depth, photopic and scotopic pupil diameter were re-assessed to compare the progression of myopia in the children. Sixty children enrolled for six months study in which the mean progression of myopia was found to be within 0.27D and axial elongation shows 0.23 mm changes respectively, whereas there were no significant changes in the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, photopic and scotopic pupil diameter before and after assessment in children. Spherical power, Axial Length, Anterior Chamber Depth, Lens Thickness, Photopic Pupil Diameter and Scotopic Pupil Diameter all showed significant progression from pre to post stages, with the average post reading deviating by 0.25 from the normal limits.