Science
Practitioner perception of myopia control contact lenses
In this article:
This paper describes the attitudes, motivations and perceived beliefs that eye care practitioners have towards fitting myopia management contact lenses to children. Results indicate 50% of ECP’s are comfortable fitting children into CL’s at age 8, and 78% for children ≥10. Only 6 out of 10 ECPs recommend lifestyle intervention for myopia control, indicating we need to remain vigilant in educating patients on this important aspect of their management.
Paper title: Global survey on eye care practitioner perceptions and attitudes regarding myopia and its management
Authors: Anna Sulley, Claire Venezia, James Gardner, Aldo Zucaro, Elizabeth Lumb
Date: 2021
Reference: Sulley A, Zucaro A, Gardner J et al. Global survey on eye care practitioner perceptions and attitudes regarding myopia and its management. Contact Lens and Anterior Eye. 2021;44(1):13-14.
Summary
This research abstract details a 25-minute online survey to examine eye care practitioner’s (ECPs) attitudes, motivations and perceived beliefs of fitting myopia management contact lenses (MM-CLs) to children. Over 400 ECPs were surveyed across six countries. ECPs agree on the importance of myopia management in children that are fast-progressing or higher myopes, with independent practitioners and those practicing >15 years more likely to fit MM-CL. The choice of myopia management product is most commonly guided by best clinical results (58%), demonstrating a strong desire to implement evidence based practice. 50% of ECPs are comfortable fitting children into CLs at age 8, which increases to 78% for ages ≥10. Around 6 in 10 ECPs recommend time outdoors and less device screen time for paediatric myopes. This shows that a key aspect of myopia management is being overlooked, and ECPs should remain vigilant in discussing lifestyle modifications with their myopic patients. Barriers to contact lens implementation were described as parents not wanting their children to wear CLs, perceived high cost, and parents not understanding the ‘why’ of myopia management such as ocular health risks. This research demonstrates that ECPs have strong beliefs and perceptions about the benefits of MM-CLs, and recognise the importance of recommending MM options, however experience difficulties implementing them in practice.
What does this mean for my practice?
This provides insight into the trends and ideas eye care practitioners have about the use of contact lenses for myopia control - a useful opportunity to check your own opinions against colleagues. Don’t forget to educate patients on the importance of lifestyle interventions for controlling myopia progression.
What do we still need to learn?
How to best educate colleagues across the world, and share the most recent evidence-based advice with parents, to overcome these cited barriers and increase uptake of myopia management with contact lenses.
Abstract
Title: Global survey on eye care practitioner perceptions and attitudes regarding myopia and its management
Authors: Anna Sulley, Claire Venezia, James Gardner, Aldo Zucaro, Elizabeth Lumb
Purpose: While there is interest about myopia and correction options, less is known about eye care practitioner (ECP) opinions on this topic. This research sought to understand ECP attitudes, motivations and perceived benefits of fitting myopia management contact lenses (MM-CLs) to children, along with challenges in recommending options to patients
Methods: A large-scale, 25-minute online survey was conducted by an independent market research agency (Decision Analyst). ECPs in UK, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia/New Zealand, Germany and Spain were surveyed (August/September 2019). Statistical significance testing was performed at the 95% confidence level (p < 0.05).
Results: A total of 402 ECPs were surveyed across the 6 countries. ECPs agree on MM’s importance for fast-progressing or highermyopia in children; Aus/NZmore likely to say options should be offered to everyone. ECPs in Germany and Aus/NZ show the strongest interest in fitting MM-CL, and independent practitioners, optometrists, and those practicing >15 years are more likely to consider fitting them. 50% of ECPs are comfortable putting children into CLs at age 8 (higher in HK, age 11 versus 9); for ages ≥10, this increases significantly to 78%. Around 6 in 10 ECPs recommend time outdoors and less device screen time for paediatric myopes. ECPs are more likely to choose a MM product with best clinical results (58%), ease of use (44%) or an approved product (44%); in Germany & HK, product familiarity is key. Parents not wanting to put children in CLs, perceived high cost, and parents not understanding the MM need and ocular health risks are key ECP challenges.
Conclusions: This research provides evidence that, while there are some differences between countries, ECPs share strong beliefs and perceptions relating to the benefits of MM-CLs, and recognise the importance of recommending MM options, yet they experience hurdles from parents.
Meet the Authors:
About Clare Maher
Clare Maher is a clinical optometrist in Sydney, Australia, and a third year Doctor of Medicine student, with a keen interest in research analysis and scientific writing.
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