Myopia epidemic: new treatment methods

Abstract

Introduction: The myopia epidemic has become a public health problem that cannot be ignored. In 2010, 28% of the world's population suffered from myopia, and by 2050, this number could reach 50%. Material and methods: We conducted a prospective, observational study of 19 patients aged 7 to 32 years who received treatment with orthokeratology lenses or MiYOSMART lenses. Patients treated with orthokeratology lenses were followed up from 2014-2023, and patients treated with MiYOSMART lenses from 2022-2024, at Stereopsis Ophthalmologic Clinic, Iasi. Results: In our study, female patients predominated (63%). 55% of patients treated with the orthokeratology lens had low myopia, 35% medium myopia and 10% myopic astigmatism. Corneal topography was performed with difficulty in 20% of cases treated with orthokerathology lens. In patients treated with MiYOSMART lenses, 33.33% achieved maximum visual acuity (VA=1). Conclusion: As the prevalence of myopia continues to increase, these therapies should be implemented to combat the vision deficits as well as the decreased quality of life associated with myopia. Informing both children and parents about the complications and treatment of myopia is particularly important. Moreover, the introduction of national screening programs would be extremely beneficial for the early diagnosis and treatment of this pathology. Keywords: myopia epidemic, children, treatment.