The Myopia Mastery Program at O-SHOW26 delves into the future of myopia management, exploring the role of OCT in monitoring progression, the treatment effects of combining myopia spectacle lenses with red light therapy, the impact of rebound effects, and the optimal duration of myopia consultations. The program, supported by HOYA, brings together industry leaders, business and marketing strategists, communication experts, and real-world case studies, with presentations from Australia's leading myopia management authorities.
The Importance of Evidence and Timing
Emmy Cui from Eye & I Optometrists shares two case studies that highlight the importance of evidence and timing in myopia management. The first case is Andy, a five-year-old who was already wearing glasses but was moving closer to the television. His prescription progressed significantly in just 10 months, despite using multifocal spectacle lenses and 0.01% atropine. However, when MiyoSmart lenses were introduced, Andy's prescription remained stable for the first time, demonstrating the power of evidence-based treatments.
The second case is Stella, a four-and-a-half-year-old girl of Southeast Asian descent with myopic parents. Initial assessments seemed reassuring, but Cui emphasizes the importance of timing and early intervention. She reflects on how her approach to myopia management has evolved, thanks to the changing landscape of evidence and tools available to practitioners.
Building a Myopia Business
Heidi Hunter, principal optometrist at Heidi Hunter, Custom Eyecare in Newcastle, outlines six key considerations for practices: building knowledge, acquiring the right gear, charging appropriately, building and utilizing a team, marketing oneself and one's niche, and preparing for puzzles and questions. Hunter also stresses the importance of allowing sufficient time for myopia consultations, recognizing that parents have numerous questions and concerns.
The Role of OCT and Outdoor Time
Soojin Nam from Eyecare Kids highlights the emerging role of OCT in myopia management, particularly in measuring subfoveal choroidal thickness as a biomarker. Nam also emphasizes the benefits of outdoor time, arguing that it's the outdoor environment itself that matters, not the specific activities undertaken. This perspective challenges the notion that children need to engage in specific outdoor activities to reap the benefits.
Combination Treatment and Rebound Effects
Nam discusses the growing interest in combination treatment, particularly the combination of MiyoSmart lenses with repeated low-level red light therapy. This approach has shown promising results, with 1.8 in 10 individuals not growing at all, effectively making their eyes shorter. Additionally, Nam explores the concept of rebound effects, where interventions are stopped and the eye begins to grow again. She notes that myopia soft contact lenses and myopia control spectacles are more effective in preventing rebound growth.
In conclusion, the Myopia Mastery Program at O-SHOW26 underscores a paradigm shift in myopia management, moving from a reactive approach to a proactive one. It emphasizes the importance of evidence-based interventions, early intervention, and integrating myopia management into everyday clinical practice. As the field continues to evolve, practitioners are encouraged to stay informed, adapt their approaches, and prioritize the well-being of their patients.
