New Contact Lens Update Focuses on Axial Length Measures in Myopia Management

Issue 61 of Contact Lens Update, now available for free from the Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), addresses the importance of physiological growth and axial length in myopia management. Sharing new insights from recent research publications and conference presentations, the latest edition is packed with clear information to help increase understanding about one of the most discussed topics in eye care

Jeff Walline, associate dean for Research at The Ohio State University College of Optometry and study chair of the Bifocal Lenses In Nearsighted Kids (BLINK) Study, contributes both the editorial and feature article review. He discusses the merits of including axial length measures in myopia management practice and shares important information on how to interpret them. This can help practitioners understand expected versus myopic eye growth, and therefore the impact of myopia management interventions that have been prescribed.

A related study by Alex Nixon and his colleagues is shared in the conference highlight. Their poster examines the presence of physiologic eye growth in myopic children, concluding that clinicians must be aware of its presence when judging the efficacy of myopia management interventions. While complex, a better appreciation of these growth factors will help enhance eye care professionals’ overall care of young myopes.

Rounding out the issue are Shalu Pal’s clinical case studies that provide real-world insights. She shares three cases, demonstrating in each how axial length measures are used to help inform the efficacy of the chosen myopia management intervention, and how that ultimately informs the patients’ ongoing treatment plan.

“Myopia management has dominated discussions across the profession for the past couple of years, and momentum is only growing,” said Lyndon Jones, CORE’s director. “A glance at agendas for upcoming meetings such as the Global Myopia Symposium and American Academy of Optometry shows intense interest in axial length and physiological growth. This issue of Contact Lens Update is a perfect primer for members of the eye care community before logging on or flying into a conference.”