Current Methods of Myopia Control a Literature Review & Update

Myopia affects up to one-third of the population in the United States today. It is a leading cause of low vision in Asian countries secondary to the increased risk of retinal detachments and glaucoma. Genetics, as well as environmental factors and nearwork have been hypothesized to play a role in myopia development. Current techniques to control its progression target these etiologies. Methods of myopia control that have been explored include: vision and behavioral therapy, contact lenses, multifocal lenses, and pharmaceutical agents. In the realm of vision and behavioral therapy, prior non-controlled studies are encouraging. Bifocal contact lenses appear to have high potential in reducing myopia. Atropine, pirenzepine, biofeedback, and progressive lenses have shown promising results, predominantly in young esophoric myopes. Many of the current studies, particularly those involving vision therapy, atropine, pirenzepine, and orthokeratology lenses, should be repeated to quantify the influence on myopia progression. Myopia control continues to be an area of active research.