Spotting High Myopes Early

NEW STUDIES into children with myopia could help practitioners prevent complications which lead to blindness associated with high levels of the condition.

By identifying those at risk of developing to high myopia early on, practitioners can recommend ways to slow progression
and consequently avoid the development of serious conditions such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Researchers at the Brien Holden Institute compared the characteristics of myopia progression in two groups of children between the ages of seven to 13. While the first group were highly myopic, the second were classed as low myopes.

They found that those in the highly myopic group had higher levels of myopia at an earlier age and were progressing much faster than those in the low myopia group.

Dr Monica Jong, science and business development manager at the Brien Holden Institute, explained: “The results of this research means that, if an eye care practitioner sees a child with myopia that is progressing by more than one dioptre per year, it gives us the opportunity to do something about it.”