Study identifies factors linked to greater myopia progression in children

Younger children with higher baseline levels of myopia are more likely to experience faster progression of myopia and eye growth, according to a study.

Researchers analyzed data from a 30-month clinical trial of 5- to 12-year-old children with moderate myopia, comparing effects of atropine 0.01% and a placebo. Both treatment groups were pooled due to similar outcomes.

Out of 187 participants, 94% completed the study. Key findings showed that younger age and higher levels of baseline myopia were linked to faster progression. Younger children experienced a mean refractive error change of -0.19 D for each year younger (95% CI, -0.25 to -0.14 D; P < 0.001), while higher initial myopia was also associated with greater progression (-0.14 D per diopter; P = 0.002). Similarly, axial length increased more in younger children (0.13 mm per year; P < 0.001) and those with higher baseline myopia (0.04 mm per diopter; P = 0.04).

Reference
Weise KK, Repka MX, Zhu Y, et al; Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group. Baseline factors associated with myopia progression and axial elongation over 30 months in children 5 to 12 years of age. Optom Vis Sci. 2024;101(10):619-626. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002187. PMID: 39480129.