Strategies and attitudes on the management of myopia in clinical practice in Spain

Objective

In 2019, an international survey was conducted to evaluate strategies and attitudes in the management of myopia in clinical practice worldwide. This study reports on the results found in Spain and how these results compare with those from other regions of the world.

Methods

A self-administrated, internet-based questionnaire was distributed to eye care professionals around the world through professional associations. The questions examined were based on the available strategies and their use.

Results

A total of 173 Spanish optometrists, of the 1,336 practitioners from the five different continents who participated in the study, responded to the online survey. Spain, Asia and South America were found among the regions with the highest concern regarding the increased incidence of myopia (p ≤ 0.001). However, in these regions, the prescription of single-vision spectacles and single-vision contact lenses continues to be the main methods of visual correction prescribed to young myopic patients (p ≤ 0.001). Spanish practitioners, like those from other regions, considered orthokeratology to be the most effective treatment to control myopia progression (p ≤ 0.001). The major reasons why Spanish practitioners were not prescribing myopia control strategies were increased cost, inadequate information and unpredictable outcomes (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The uptake of myopia control methods by Spanish practitioners is relatively low, despite the increase in the prevalence of paediatric myopia as well as increased concern and perceived clinical activity in the area in recent years.