Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium 2024: New Advances and Insights for Managing Myopia
Seoul, South Korea, October 2024 – The recent 4th Asia-Pacific Myopia Management Symposium (APMMS), held on October 27, brought together over 2,200 eye care professionals, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss ground breaking advancements in myopia management. Hosted by CooperVision in collaboration with the Korean Association of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (KAPOS), this year’s symposium was themed “Myopia Reframed: Shaping the Future of Eye Health” and emphasized evidence-based solutions and early interventions to combat the growing myopia epidemic in children.
Key Findings in Myopia Management
A significant highlight of the symposium was the presentation of results from CooperVision's seven-year clinical study on MiSight® 1 day contact lenses. MiSight® 1 day is the only U.S. FDA-approved soft contact lens proven to slow myopia progression in children aged 8-12. Clinical evidence indicates that MiSight® 1 day maintains its myopia control benefits even after discontinuation, unlike other treatments such as atropine, which has been shown to produce a rebound effect. Studies also show that 9 out of 10 children prefer MiSight® 1 day lenses over traditional glasses, underscoring their appeal as a child-friendly myopia management option.
Additionally, Professor Nicola Logan from Aston University shared results from a ten-year study on the long-term safety of MiSight® 1 day lenses. The study validated the lenses’ safety, with children who wore them full-time for a decade showing equivalent corneal endothelial health to non-contact lens wearers.
Advances in Understanding and Treating Myopia
The symposium’s sessions covered a range of essential topics:
Paradigm Shifts in Understanding Myopia: Experts explored the latest research on the causes of myopia and its impacts on vision health. Professor Pei Chang Wu from Taiwan presented case studies demonstrating the broader implications of early-onset myopia.
Gold Standard in Myopia Interventions: The session introduced advanced strategies for managing myopia. Dr. Maria Liu from UC Berkeley highlighted trends in soft contact lens use, while Dr. Ian Flitcroft from Ireland discussed evidence supporting low-dose atropine, especially relevant for patients in Asia.
The Future of Myopia Management: Focused on digital and clinical tools, this session outlined a framework for integrating advanced strategies into myopia control programs. Speakers discussed the potential of digitalisation and new lens technologies in delivering effective treatments.
Moving Forward: A Collaborative Approach
APMMS 2024 underscored the need for collaboration in developing standardized myopia management protocols across the Asia-Pacific region. Dr. Hae-Jung Paik, President of KAPOS, announced the establishment of the Korea Myopia Society (KMS) to enhance awareness and support ongoing research and treatment in myopia management. Dr. Paik described the symposium as “a landmark moment for shaping the future of paediatric eye health” through cross-regional knowledge sharing.
Shila Gupta, CooperVision’s Myopia Management General Manager for Asia-Pacific, reflected on the symposium’s role in advancing clinical practices: “APMMS 2024 has solidified itself as a pivotal event, allowing us to connect with industry leaders and set new benchmarks in myopia management. We’re proud to support the eye care community as it works to address this pressing vision health challenge.”
Implications for Australian Practitioners
With the prevalence of myopia rising in Australia, insights from APMMS 2024 offer Australian practitioners valuable perspectives on integrating innovative solutions like MiSight® 1 day and digital tools into clinical practice. The symposium’s focus on early intervention and sustainable management strategies aligns with ongoing efforts to prevent long-term visual impairment associated with myopia.
As myopia research continues to evolve, APMMS provides a vital platform for Australian optometrists to stay informed on global advancements, helping them deliver state-of-the-art care to their patients.