An analysis of data from more than 100 studies and 17,000 children has questioned the effectiveness of myopia management interventions across medicine, light therapy, ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses.
The review, [published in the Cochrane Library,](https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD014758.pub3/full) sought to assess the comparative efficacy and safety of myopia management interventions and generate a relative ranking. Most studies were conducted in China or other Asian countries (66.3%), and North America (14.4%).
Based on short-term studies, orthokeratology was the most effective optical treatment for slowing elongation of the eyeball, but researchers noted the lenses were often poorly tolerated and some studies found more than half of the children did not complete the treatment.
Researchers also concluded that higher doses of atropine may reduce the progression of myopia, but unwanted effects, including eye discomfort in bright light and blurred vision when viewing close objects. Low dose atropine was reported to have few unwanted effects, but researchers doubted its efficacy. Soft multifocal contact lenses and myopia-control spectacles could also reduce the progression of short-sightedness, but researchers said they remained uncertain about their benefits.
‘Longer term and better quality studies comparing myopia control interventions alone or in combination are needed, with improved methods for monitoring and reporting adverse effects,’ researchers concluded.
The College of Optometrists also [released a report](https://www.college-optometrists.org/category-landing-pages/clinical-topics/myopia/childhood-onset-myopia-management-evidence-review) leading up to the Cochrane research to review evidence available for myopia management interventions, identify gaps, and provide the basis for related guidance recommendations.