Practice patterns in pediatric myopia management: Insights from a 2023 survey among Indian ophthalmologists.

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the practice patterns related to paediatric myopia among Paediatric Ophthalmologists in India, based on a 2023 survey conducted via Google Forms.

Methods: The survey aimed to gather insights into physicians' perceptions and experiences concerning the clinical and treatment aspects of myopia in children.

Results: The survey reveals several key insights into current practice patterns among Paediatric Ophthalmologists in India regarding paediatric myopia management. The recommended mean age for a child's first eye checkup is 3 years, underscoring the importance of early detection. Refractive error thresholds for prescribing spectacles are set at 3.0 D for infants, 2.0 D for preschool children, and 1.0 D for school-going children older than 3 years. There is a growing trend in using 0.01% Atropine eye drops for myopia management, with a mean prescription age of 4.83 years. Notably, 80.11% of respondents prioritize documenting myopia progression regardless of the child's age. Orthokeratology and Peripheral Defocus spectacle lenses are gaining recognition, and lifestyle modifications such as increasing outdoor activities and reducing near activities are widely acknowledged as effective. While most respondents do not use progressive lenses for myopia, there is significant emphasis on axial length measurements and considering the lag of accommodation. Additionally, under-correction of myopia is favored by a notable proportion of practitioners. These findings indicate a shift towards early intervention and evidence-based strategies in myopia control.

Conclusions: The survey highlights a shift towards early intervention and evidence-based myopia control strategies among practitioners. There is, however, room for improvement in standardizing approaches and considering additional factors like axial length and lag of accommodation. Collaborative efforts among policymakers, health regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders are essential to enhance the accessibility and affordability of myopia control treatments and address the growing health burden associated with paediatric myopia.