vp-india-2026-sep-oct

EYE MATTERS With childhood myopia continuing to rise, the focus of eye care is shifting from correcting refractive error to managing progression MYOPIA: BEYONDTHE PRESCRIPTION N ew evidence in 2026 is expanding the role of specialised spectacle lenses, atropine, contact lenses and emerging therapies, giving practitioners more options but also more decisions to make. For an optical professional, a changing prescription is familiar territory. A child returns for an eye examination, the prescription has increased and a new pair of spectacles is dispensed. But what if the more important question is not simply how much the prescription has changed, but why it is changing and whether that progression can be slowed? That question is increasingly shaping modern myopia management. Myopia is no longer viewed simply as a refractive error to be corrected. Earlier onset and faster progression can increase the likelihood of developing high myopia, which is associated with a greater risk of serious ocular complications later in life. As a result, the emphasis is shifting towards early detection, monitoring and progression control. A review published in Current Ophthalmology Reports on 17 September 2026 highlights the expanding range of approaches, from atropine and contact lenses to specialised spectacle lenses, outdoor time and newer technologies. It also points to a growing emphasis on personalised treatment. THE PRESCRIPTION IS ONLY THE STARTING POINT Traditional single vision spectacles remain effective for correcting blurred distance vision. What they do not do is actively slow myopia progression. Practitioners are increasingly looking at how a child's prescription changes over time, alongside measurements such as 44 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION