SECO 2025: Tackling myopia management while patients are young

Brianna Rhue, OD, FAAO, FSLS, reviews a presentation focused on integrating myopia management into clinical practice that she participated in during SECO 2025. Rhue, a private practice owner and cofounder of Dr. Contact Lens, discussed the growing science and industry interest in myopia management. She highlighted key advancements, including the first FDA-approved myopia treatment in 2020, the approval of orthokeratology lenses, and ongoing studies on low-dose atropine.

Rhue emphasized the importance of early eye exams for children, ideally around 4-5 years old, and advocated for pediatricians to refer these patients to ophthalmologists for further evaluation. She explained the significance of detecting myopia in young children, even with mild prescriptions like +0.75 or +0.50 diopters. Rhue introduced the concept of prophylactic atropine to delay the onset of myopia, which can reduce the need for stronger prescriptions and improve surgical outcomes later in life.

When communicating with patients, Rhue advised against inducing parental guilt and recommended presenting treatment options concisely with scientific facts. She highlighted potential pitfalls, such as not implementing myopia management, especially for fast progressors, and over-relying on glasses as the sole solution. Regarding financial considerations, Rhue discussed the importance of making myopia management accessible through payment plans and financing options, similar to how orthodontic treatments are handled. She emphasized that practitioners should charge for their expertise, not just the cost of the physical products.

In conclusion, Rhue's presentation underscored the growing importance of early intervention and comprehensive myopia management in clinical practice. By educating patients, involving pediatricians, and providing affordable treatment options, practitioners can help children and their families manage myopia and its long-term implications.