Driving change in myopia management – Q&A with Elizabeth Lumb

In this Q&A Interview, Optometrist Elizabeth Lumb reflects on the evolution of myopia management in the past five years through two ‘lenses’: as CooperVision’s Director of Global Professional Affairs, Myopia Management, and through the very personal experience of her now 12-year-old niece, Maddy.

How has Ireland embraced the use of myopia control contact lenses?

This retrospective study from Ireland found that despite recent increases in practitioners fitting myopia control contact lenses in Ireland, more than 60% of children were still managed with single vision correction only. Improving the prescribing rates of evidence-based myopia control treatments will ensure progressing myopes are less likely to miss appropriate intervention opportunities.

What is the risk-to-benefit balance for myopia control contact lenses in children?

This study found the risk of microbial keratitis for children fitted with contact lenses for myopia control was less than the risk of visual impairment from myopia progression to over 3D or axial lengths exceeding 26mm. If worn throughout childhood, the extra benefits of myopia control contact lenses outweigh the risks of infection, especially if the lenses are daily disposable.

What topography data do I need to fit orthokeratology lenses?

Orthokeratology fitting to children is increasing in frequency worldwide, due to its volume of evidence for myopia control. Learn what data inputs are needed and how to best use your topographer for accurate ortho-k lens design.

How well does orthokeratology work over long periods of time?

This review investigated 18 years of practice data for the predictability, efficacy and safety of long-term ortho-k wear. The results showed that for at least one year’s wear, there was good efficacy and predictability of target refraction. Although corneal staining was common, serious adverse effects were found to be rare, particularly for children.

Is there a dose response in myopia control?

A dose-response is where an increasing amount of a medication or intervention is correlated with a better clinical outcome. When it comes to myopia control, we investigate the evidence for a dose-response with spectacle, contact lens, atropine and outdoor time interventions.

What does extended depth of focus mean in contact lens designs?

Extended depth of focus (EDOF) designs in soft contact lenses are employed for presbyopia correction as well as myopia control. This article explores differences between contact lens designs which could be termed ‘multifocal’, and how this could factor into clinical outcomes.

How does NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day perform long-term for myopia?

This retrospective cohort analysis showed that NaturalVue Multifocal 1 Day contact lens wear appears to result in a mean refractive myopia progression of less than 0.25D per year, based on available data. Some limited axial length data was also presented.

A novel ring-focus soft contact lens design for myopia control

Two prototype myopia control soft contact lens designs with non-coaxial optics showed enhanced efficacy in one design and enhanced vision in the other, compared to dual-focus and single-vision designs. This initial data is for six months, and all myopia control contact lens designs showed close to 6/6 or 20/20 acuity equivalent.