Introduction: The prevalence of myopia is increasing drastically on a global scale. It represents a socially significant problem for the young population and increases the interest in integrating methods and practices to slow its progression. Myopia control aims to reduce the risk of loss and deterioration of visual function and to reduce complications associated with high-grade axial myopia by reducing the progression of axial length.
Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy of optical and pharmacological interventions to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents aged 8 to 16 years, who underwent treatment at the University Specialized Eye Hospital in Varna.
Materials and Methods: The study included 60 patients with myopia and according to the condition and the wishes of their guardians, they were divided into 4 groups. Of these, myopia control with atropine drops 0.01% was performed in 16 patients, 17 were corrected with multifocal soft contact lenses, 13—with ortho-K lenses, and 14—with multifocal glasses. The axial length of the eyeball and refractive error were examined and compared before the start of therapy, at the first and at the second year.
Results and Discussion: After the introduction of the appropriate control agent, the increase in the spherical component and axial length in the ortho-K and multifocal lens groups was lower compared to the atropine drops and glasses groups. The lowest mean values of increase in axial length were observed in the group fitted with ortho-K lenses (MD +0.21 mm), followed by the atropine drops (MD +0.32 mm), multifocal contact lenses (MD +0.53 mm), and glasses (MD +0.89 mm) groups. The smallest difference in refractive error was again reported in the group with ortho-K lenses (MD N/A), multifocal contact lenses (MD 0.45D), atropine drops (MD 0.73D), and glasses (MD 1.26D).
Conclusion: Multifocal and ortho-K lenses and atropine drops can effectively control the progression of myopia in adolescents, but multifocal and ortho-K lenses show more significant effects.
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