Search Results (7)

Myopia is a major global public health concern, with a particularly high and increasing prevalence in East Asia. Although significant progress has been made in regard to developing strategies to slow the progression of myopia, the precise biological mechanisms underlying the onset and progression of myopia remain unclear. Repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy, a novel non-invasive photobiomodulation (PBM) technique, has demonstrated promising efficacy for controlling axial elongation and refractive error progression. This review first outlines the clinical definition, epidemiology, and global health impact of myopia, followed by the etiology-based pathogenesis and corresponding intervention strategies. Special attention has been given to emerging mechanistic evidence supporting RLRL, particularly its role in activating mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), enhancing retinal metabolism, influencing choroidal changes in blood perfusion and thickness, and in scleral remodeling. Finally, the feasibility and potential mechanism of the RLRL therapy for slowing myopia progression have been discussed from the perspective of safety. Full article

Background: Refractive errors (REs) and amblyopia are the leading causes of visual impairment (VI) in children worldwide; however, national data for Mexico are scarce. Objective: We aim to estimate the clinical prevalence of RE, refractive amblyopia, and associated visual impairment (VI) in Mexican children aged 6–12 years. Methods: We analyzed 784,372 non-cycloplegic eye examinations from Salud Digna outpatient clinics across all 32 Mexican states (2021–2025). REs were classified as myopia (≤−0.50 D), hyperopia (≥+2.00 D), or astigmatism (≤ −1.00 D cylinder). Refractive amblyopia was defined as best-corrected visual acuity ≤ 20/30 in the most affected eye. The VI categories followed the WHO criteria. Results: Myopia was the most frequent (43.86%), followed by astigmatism (38.41%) and hyperopia (1.29%). Refractive amblyopia affected 4.94% of the children, predominantly due to astigmatic isoametropia (72.19%). VI related to refractive amblyopia occurred in 1.20% (mild), 0.37% (moderate), 0.01% (severe), and 0.01% (blindness) of children. Men showed a higher prevalence of RE and refractive amblyopia (p < 0.01). Geographic disparities were evident, with the central and southern states reporting the highest RA rates. Conclusions: Our outpatient-based study underscores REs, refractive amblyopia, and astigmatic ametropia as significant public health concerns in Mexican school-aged children. The high prevalence of uncorrected REs and refractive amblyopia highlights the need for nationwide school-based screening programs and early intervention strategies to mitigate long-term visual and developmental consequences. Full article

Myopia prevalence has risen dramatically worldwide, underscoring the critical need for effective interventions to slow its progression. Recent advancements in spectacle lens technology offer promising solutions, demonstrating significant efficacy in controlling myopia. This review critically examines next-generation spectacle lenses for myopia management, emphasizing their optical principles, mechanisms of action, clinical effectiveness, visual performance, compliance, and safety. Spectacle lenses incorporating technologies such as Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS), Highly Aspherical Lenslet Target (HALT), Diffusion Optics Technology (DOT), and Cylindrical Annular Refractive Element (CARE) lenses show a 40–60% reduction in refractive progression and axial elongation compared to traditional single-vision lenses. These lenses utilize optical strategies like simultaneous myopic defocus, peripheral contrast modulation, and controlled aberrations without compromising visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, accommodation, or binocular vision. High wearer compliance is attributed to excellent visual comfort, minimal adaptation issues, and favorable cosmetic appearance. Long-term studies further confirm sustained efficacy and safety profile. Ongoing research aimed at direct comparative trials, extended follow-up, and individualized lens designs will further define the role of these interventions. Collectively, the evidence positions next-generation spectacle lenses as a promising, evidence-based approach that may become an important component of global myopia management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although high myopia primarily affects the eyes, emerging evidence suggests that it is also associated with systemic inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. The liver plays a key role in metabolism and inflammation, and it may share pathological pathways with high myopia. However, no population studies have examined the relationship between high myopia and liver disease progression. This study used UK Biobank data to analyze the relationship between myopia severity and severe liver disease, as well as to determine whether inflammatory markers or metabolites mediate this link. Methods: A prospective cohort of 70,774 UK Biobank participants without severe liver disease at baseline was followed for 14.1 years. Myopia was categorized as emmetropia, low-to-moderate, or high based on refractive error. Cox proportional hazards models, stratified by aspartate aminotransferase (AST) level (≥40 vs. <40 U/L), were used to assess liver disease risk, and mediation analyses were used to evaluate inflammatory markers and metabolites. Results: Among participants with AST levels of at least 40 U/L, high myopia significantly increased liver fibrosis and cirrhosis risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44–4.85, p = 0.002), exhibiting a dose-dependent trend (ptrend = 0.004). No association existed for AST < 40 U/L. C-reactive protein (CRP) partially mediated this link; no metabolites survived correction. Conclusions: High myopia is independently associated with an increased risk of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in individuals with elevated AST, partially mediated by CRP-related inflammation. Refractive assessment may stratify liver disease risk in subclinical injury, warranting anti-inflammatory intervention research. Full article

The concurrent rise in multiple health conditions among students, including myopia, obesity, spinal curvature abnormalities, and mental health disorders, represents a critical public health challenge. These interconnected health issues necessitate comprehensive prevention strategies that simultaneously address multiple conditions through synchronized behavioral and environmental interventions. In response to this need, the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration issued the Technical Guidelines for Co-Prevention of Common Diseases in Students on 30 April 2024, marking a significant advancement in China’s student health protection initiatives. The guidelines establish three core strategic priorities: enhancing surveillance of shared risk factors, implementing a systematic tiered approach to public health interventions, and developing an integrated, multisector prevention framework. This evidence-based, comprehensive initiative provides practical solutions for preventing comorbidities and enhancing overall student health outcomes. Further research is warranted to assess long-term effectiveness, explore regional implementation challenges, and support the development of standardized monitoring and evaluation systems. Full article

Singapore’s national myopia prevention efforts have largely focused on school vision screening and public education on outdoor activities in the past two decades. Given the emergence of evidence-based myopia interventions, this policy review and analysis investigates the potential benefits and drawbacks of optometrist prescribing privileges as it has been proposed to reduce the barriers to access effective interventions, such as combined therapy (e.g., orthokeratology treatment and low-dose atropine therapy). In this policy analysis, two policy options were identified to be feasible based on evidence from a systematic literature search and they were analysed along with status quo using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Policy Analysis Framework. This includes independent prescribing and supplementary prescribing, where the former entails autonomous clinical decision making, and the latter entails co-management with ophthalmological supervision. The policy review and analysis found independent prescribing the most favourable and concluded that this should be implemented in view of its benefits for the community. Public health impact is expected to be substantial due to increased patient access, reduced treatment costs, early interventions, improved treatment compliance, and reduced wait times and inconvenience. It is feasible because treatment processes can be streamlined, and it can be implemented based on existing collaborative prescribing frameworks. Economical and budgetary impact is also substantial given the direct savings generated, which can consequently help to reduce the disease burden. Full article

Rising childhood myopia rate has detrimental health consequences that pose a considerable challenge to health systems. The school spatial environment, which is where students are for the longest period of time, has a high health value for myopia systematic intervention. While research has demonstrated associations between physical daylight environments, medical gene and visual health, the literature currently lacks a synthesis of evidence that will act as a spatially-organized resource for school designers. This study is based on literature from the period 2000–2022 and has been taken from the Web of Science, scopus, Medline and CNKI core collection database. Collaboration, literature co-citation and quantitative and qualitative analysis, in addition to keyword co-occurrence are adopted to conduct a visual health research review. The results indicate that intensive near work activity (as a risk factor) and longer time spent outdoors (as a protective factor), are involved in visual health factors. Two main research themes are obtained and relate to: (1) The environment of visual work behavior (especially the near work learning environment) and adaptable multimedia learning environment; and (2) the environment of outdoor exposure behavior. Furthermore, with the variation of educational demands, models and concepts, there are different demands for near work behavior, and this study makes an important contribution by pointing to two future research directions, including the accurate and controllable environment of near work behavior, which operate in accordance with various educational mode requirements and the active design of the environment of outdoor exposure behavior. In referring to differences between regions and countries, as well as the development of the educational environment, it provides insight into how these demands can be controlled. Full article