Demonstrating the AX1 Axiometer (prototype) on My Own Children: A Quick, Child-Friendly Solution for Myopia Management

Please note the AX1 demonstrated in this video is a prototype. While we’ve done plenty of in-house testing on adults, the primary use case for the AX1 is in myopia management, where regular axial length measurements in children are vital for tracking progression and guiding treatment. So, with that in mind, and with two myopic children of my own (both using Ortho-K lenses), I brought them into the office during the school holidays to demonstrate the AX1 prototype in a real-world scenario.

Measuring Axial Length in seconds

Traditional axial length devices like the Lenstar 900 are precise, but they require the use of a chin rest and a high level of cooperation - which can be difficult with younger patients - which can be seen in the video at the end of this blog.

The AX1 is specifically designed to avoid those barriers. It’s handheld, non-contact, and easy to use - perfect for quick, comfortable measurements without compromising on accuracy.

What You’ll See in the Video

In the video, I demonstrate the AX1 prototype on my two children - Lily and Reuben. Before this was done my colleague Michael measured both children on a Lenstar 900. You will hopefully ntice a few key points.

• Speed - The AX1 captured each measurement in just a few seconds.

• No chin rest - Lily and Reuben were able to stand comfortably without being fixed in place.

• Easy operation - The AX1 is intuitive to use and delivers quick results with minimal setup.

  
  

In contrast, the video showing Lily being measured with the Lenstar 900 below - highlights how much longer and more involved that process is. It took over four minutes to complete both eyes, requiring alignment checks and careful positioning that simply aren’t necessary with the AX1.

Axial Length Comparison - AX1 vs Lenstar 900

Child	Eye	Lenstar 900 (mm)	AX1 Axiometer (mm)
Lily	Right Eye	24.83	24.76
Reuben	Right Eye	24.88	24.83

Designed with Children in Mind

Children can struggle with fixed equipment and long procedures. The AX1 is designed to make the process simple, fast and stress-free - not only for the child but also for the clinician. In a myopia management setting, where patients need to return regularly for monitoring, that difference can really matter.

No Consumables, No Fuss

Another practical benefit is that the AX1 doesn’t require consumables. There are no single-use parts or attachments, keeping costs down and making it a more sustainable choice for busy practices.

Final Thoughts

It should be noted that this is still a prototype AX1. It is still in development with work being undertaken to improve its performance, accuracy and repeatability. That said, it was great to see the AX1 perform so well on both Lily and Reuben. The speed, repeatability and ease of use will make it a genuinely useful tool for clinicians who are managing myopia in children - and who need a reliable, patient-friendly solution. As Lily and Reuben are both using Ortho-K lenses, I have first hand experience of appreciating how important it is to be able to have a way to measure the effectiveness of their treatment.

To learn more about the AX1 and how it can support myopia management provision, visit www.occuity.com/ax1.