Research Hub

Landmark systematic review analyzing 145 studies from 1995-2015. Projected that myopia will affect 4.758 billion people (49.8% of world population) by 2050, with 938 million (9.8%) having high myopia. East Asia shows highest prevalence at 80-90% in young adults.

Five-year follow-up of the ATOM2 study comparing 0.5%, 0.1%, and 0.01% atropine in 400 children. While higher concentrations showed greater initial efficacy, 0.01% atropine demonstrated the best long-term outcomes due to minimal rebound effect after cessation. Cumulative myopia progression over 5 years was lowest in the 0.01% group.

Network meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials comparing 16 interventions for myopia control. High-dose atropine (0.5-1%) showed highest efficacy but with significant side effects. Moderate-dose atropine, orthokeratology, and peripheral defocus lenses showed good efficacy with better tolerability.

This randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of low-concentration atropine eye drops (0.05%, 0.025%, and 0.01%) for controlling myopia progression in 438 children aged 4-12 years. At 1 year, 0.05% atropine showed the greatest efficacy with spherical equivalent change of -0.27±0.61 D compared to -0.81±0.53 D in placebo (67% reduction). Axial length elongation was 0.20±0.25 mm vs 0.41±0.22 mm in placebo.

Largest GWAS meta-analysis to date with 160,420 participants identifying 161 genetic loci associated with refractive error. Genes involved in neurotransmission, ion transport, retinoic acid metabolism, and extracellular matrix organization were implicated. Genetic risk score explained 7.8% of variance.

Comprehensive review of myopia epidemiology in East Asia, where prevalence has reached 80-90% in young adults in urban areas of China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. Educational pressure and reduced outdoor time identified as key modifiable risk factors.

Three-year randomized controlled trial of MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses in 144 children aged 8-12 years. MiSight lenses reduced myopia progression by 59% (refractive) and 52% (axial length) compared to single vision contact lenses. This led to FDA approval for myopia control in 2019.

Two-year randomized clinical trial in Hong Kong comparing orthokeratology to single-vision spectacles in 102 children aged 6-10 years. Orthokeratology reduced axial elongation by 43% (0.36 mm vs 0.63 mm). Younger children and those with faster baseline progression showed greater benefit.

Study of 123,535 Chinese children showing significant increase in myopia prevalence during COVID-19 lockdowns. Children aged 6-8 years showed 1.4-3 times higher myopia prevalence in 2020 compared to previous years, attributed to increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity.

Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of 25 studies examining outdoor time and myopia. Each additional hour of outdoor time per week was associated with 2% reduced odds of myopia. Children spending 2+ hours daily outdoors had approximately 50% lower risk of developing myopia.

Two-year randomized controlled trial of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses in 183 Hong Kong children aged 8-13 years. DIMS lenses reduced myopia progression by 52% and axial elongation by 62% compared to single vision lenses, with sustained efficacy throughout the study period.

Five-year follow-up study of 43 children using orthokeratology. No serious adverse events were observed. Corneal endothelial cell density remained stable. Myopia control effect was maintained throughout the study period with 36% reduction in axial elongation.

Meta-analysis of 19 studies examining low-dose atropine (0.01-0.05%) for myopia control. Found clear dose-response relationship with higher concentrations showing greater efficacy but also more side effects. 0.01% showed best balance of efficacy and tolerability for long-term use.

Study examining the role of light intensity vs duration in myopia protection. Found that bright light exposure (>1000 lux) was more protective than total time outdoors, suggesting that light intensity is the key factor in outdoor protection against myopia.

Meta-analysis of 7 clinical trials with 435 participants evaluating orthokeratology for myopia control. Overall, orthokeratology reduced axial elongation by 45% compared to controls. Effect was consistent across different study populations and follow-up periods.

Study of 40,036 participants examining gene-environment interactions in myopia. Found that genetic risk for myopia is amplified by educational attainment, with each additional year of education increasing the effect of genetic variants. Supports gene-environment interaction model.

Systematic review of 15 studies examining screen time and myopia. Found consistent association between increased screen time and myopia, with risk increasing by 30% for each additional hour of daily screen use. Effect was independent of near work from reading.

Randomized controlled trial of 264 children aged 8-13 years comparing repeated low-level red light therapy (650nm, 3 minutes twice daily) to single vision spectacles. RLRL showed 76.6% reduction in myopia progression and 69.4% reduction in axial elongation at 12 months. Some children showed axial length shortening.

Study examining what happens when myopia control treatments are stopped. Orthokeratology showed partial rebound in first 6 months but axial length remained shorter than controls. High-dose atropine showed significant rebound while low-dose showed minimal rebound.

Prospective study of 80 children comparing orthokeratology alone vs combination with 0.01% atropine. Combination therapy showed 75% reduction in axial elongation compared to 50% with orthokeratology alone. Suggests additive effect of combining treatments.