Childhood myopia is becoming one of the most common vision problems worldwide. According to eye care specialists, the number of children affected by myopia is increasing at an alarming rate, making early myopia control an increasingly important part of preventing future eye diseases. Beyond the need for glasses or contact lenses, progressive myopia can significantly increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal disorders, glaucoma, and other complications.
During an international forum dedicated to myopia control, leading ophthalmologists and optometrists presented the latest scientific evidence, technologies, and clinical protocols for the diagnosis and management of myopia. Specialists from VISION also participated in the event to stay up to date with the latest developments and apply them in the care of their patients.
Early Diagnosis Is the Key to Successful Myopia Control
One of the forum’s strongest messages was that early diagnosis and an individualized approach are now considered the gold standard in modern pediatric eye care.
An increasing number of studies demonstrate that identifying risk factors at an early stage enables effective myopia control before high levels of refractive error develop. The clinical cases presented during the forum showed real-world results from various strategies aimed at slowing the progression of childhood myopia.
What Is the Pre-Myopic Stage?
Among the most discussed topics was the so-called pre-myopic stage—the period before clinically significant myopia develops. Children at this stage do not yet require vision correction, but certain risk factors indicate a higher likelihood of becoming myopic.
Experts emphasized that preventive measures can have the greatest impact during this critical period. Comprehensive pediatric eye examinations allow these risks to be identified early, enabling appropriate monitoring and intervention.
The New Standard: Personalized Myopia Control
Modern myopia management is no longer based solely on measuring refractive error. The clinical protocols presented at the forum include a comprehensive assessment of each child, taking into account family history, visual habits, screen time, outdoor activities, and individual risk factors for myopia progression.
One of the most important components of a comprehensive pediatric eye evaluation is the measurement of the eye’s axial length, which plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing myopia progression.
Why Parents Should Not Underestimate Myopia
Many parents believe that myopia is simply a condition corrected with glasses. In reality, progressive myopia requires active monitoring and management. High myopia significantly increases the risk of serious eye diseases in adulthood.
For this reason, modern ophthalmology places strong emphasis on early detection, regular monitoring, and slowing the progression of myopia whenever possible.
The good news is that effective myopia control solutions are now available and can help reduce the risk of future complications.
Ortho-K Lenses and New Opportunities in Myopia Control
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are among the proven methods for managing childhood myopia. Worn overnight, these specially designed lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses.
During the forum, experts presented new approaches for more precise fitting and monitoring of Ortho-K lenses, enabling greater personalization of treatment and improved myopia control outcomes.
One of the most impressive technologies showcased at the event was the Medmont Meridia® Vantage topographer—a next-generation system for detailed ocular surface mapping. Unlike conventional topographers, which capture only part of the cornea, this advanced technology allows imaging of the entire ocular surface.
The device will soon be introduced at VISION, helping us achieve even greater precision in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with myopia, dry eye disease, and keratoconus.
Screens and Children’s Vision: What Does the Research Show?
According to the scientific data presented at the forum, prolonged near work and excessive use of electronic devices are among the major risk factors associated with the development of childhood myopia.
