February 2024 Virtual event Presentation
By Sandra S. Block OD, MEd, MPH, FAAO, Dipl AAO, FCOVD, FNAP, ARVO, USA
David Piñero, PhD, Spain
Ángel Macedo, Mg. Optom, Lic T.M., Peru
About the presentation
The World Council of Optometry, in partnership with CooperVision, a global leader in addressing myopia, hosted its first Latin America-based multi-day virtual event, “Myopia Management: From Theory to Practice,” in February 2024.
Watch Module 1 which was attended by more than 2,200 optometrists on the day! Hear about the World Council of Optometry’s Myopia Management Standard of Care Partnership by President Sandra S. Block, followed by Dr. Piñero (Spain) who will share crucial definitions in myopia management and talk about how to insure you have an evidence-based myopia management practice.
The module will conclude with Dr. Macedo, who will outline existing inventions in myopia management and categorise them according to current evidence base, and a very active Q&A session where more than 100 questions were submitted!
Dr. Macedo: As we heard in Dr Piñero’s presentation, there is already a worldwide consensus that myopia can have various pathological implications from 6 dioptres and onwards.
The term is used when myopia causes certain pathologies, such as a retinoschisis or myopic macular degenerations or retinal detachment itself.
Dr. Macedo: When we look at orthokeratology research, we are seeing that from 6 to 7 years of age is where myopia starts to progress and when orthokeratology can be started. I would caution against using orthokeratology on very young children.
Dr. Dávila-García: Interestingly, most of the studies that are done on myopia management, are based on specific age ranges and this is where the evidence exists. Most studies are with 6 to 12 year-olds.
Dr. Macedo: We know that ophthalmic lenses with peripheral defocus do not handle high astigmatism. Defocused horizontal hypermetropic designs can handle some astigmatism, however, if the astigmatism is high, the options are contact lenses or orthokeratology.
Dr. Macedo: Atropine already exists. It is worth clarifying that in Colombia, optometrists may use various drugs for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, unlike in other Latin American countries.
Dr. Macedo: What studies so far tell us is that it is the level of brightness in the outdoor environment that has a ‘protective effect’, so no, a nighttime walk will not have the intended impact.
Edgar, Sandy, David & Ángel's recommended resources
Prepared by the World Council of Optometry Myopia Management Resource Committee 2023.
The World Council of Optometry Myopia Management Standard of Care initiative is a collaborative partnership between World Council of Optometry and CooperVision.
Explore the interactive and educational resource for eye care practitioners worldwide
When to wear it
Considerations
Shown to improve confidence and ability to participate in activities.
Typically more availability for astigmats.
No wearing time during waking hours.
Optical correction is still needed.
* Excluding children frequently engaged in water sports.
