Inhibition of myopia progression—review of the current literature

Abstract

Background: Myopia can be corrected using optical aids but even in cases of low expression significantly increases the risk for visual impairment due to other eye diseases at higher ages. Especially high-grade myopia should be prevented. The purpose of the present study was to review the present literature concerning inhibition of myopia progression. Material and methods: An online literature search was performed using Medline/PubMed and a summary of relevant papers is presented. Meta-analyses and prospective randomized controlled trials were preferably used if available. Results: Time spent outdoors, pharmacological treatment with atropine (and similar substances) and optical methods (bifocal/varifocal glasses, orthokeratology, multifocal contact lenses as well as contact lenses with positive spherical aberration) have been shown to slow myopia progression. Time spent outdoors further reduces myopia incidence. The optimal duration of treatment as well as the efficacy at higher ages currently lacks evidence. Conclusion: Effective forms of treatment for inhibition of myopia progression are readily available and should be considered in clinical practice.