Using experimental models to understand emmetropization and inform clinical treatments for myopia control

摘要

The increasing prevalence of myopia observed around the world has led to estimates that half of the total population may be affected by 2050. This creates both a significant financial impact because of the cost of care and a serious public health risk because of the known association between myopia and vision-threatening conditions including several retinal pathologies, glaucoma and even cataract. The chances of developing one of these conditions increases with increasing myopia. Fortunately, there are now several evidence-based treatments using lenses or drugs known to reduce significantly the progression of myopia and the increase in axial eye length, which appears to be the principal factor responsible for associated retinal pathologies.