Challenges and Practices in the Management of Childhood Myopia Progression Among Nigerian Optometrists-A Cross-sectional National Survey.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the practices, challenges, and barriers faced by optometrists in the control of childhood myopia in Nigeria.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected information on demography, professional experience, clinical practice, and perceived barriers to effective myopia control options using a self-administered web-based survey. The survey was designed using a Likert scale and conducted between February 13 and April 21, 2024. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the frequency of different management strategies and the various factors influencing decisions related to myopia management.

Results: The respondents were mostly male (51.7%), 49.5% worked in private practice, and 52.4% had less than five years of professional experience. The most frequently used myopia control options were single-vision distance spectacles (full correction), advice to spend more time outdoors, and visual hygiene. Single-vision distance contact lenses with full correction (63.4%) were the most recommended alternative option to single-vision distance spectacles (full correction), followed by visual hygiene practices (61.8%). Myopia control spectacle lenses were used by only 1.9% of the respondents. Major barriers to effective myopia control included the need for additional clinical equipment, medico-legal concerns, and minimal financial incentives, rated as "important" or "very important" by more than 45% of respondents.

Conclusions: Significant gaps in the adoption of advanced myopia control strategies were observed among Nigerian optometrists, largely because of perceived barriers such as financial constraints and medico-legal concerns.