The myopia epidemic is a growing problem, primarily caused by lifestyle changes rather than genetics. It is projected that by 2050, half of the world's population could be myopic, with over a billion, likely experiencing high myopia which poses a significantly increased risk to long-term eye health. Fortunately, extensive evidence supports various therapeutic approaches that can slow down the progression of myopia in children, before it reaches severe levels.
There are two main causes of myopia, refractive myopia and axial myopia. Axial myopia is the largest of these and is caused when the eyeball grows too long. It is this growth that increases the risk of conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment. When it comes to managing myopia, accurate measurements are crucial for effective treatment. The measurement of axial length has therefore gained significant importance in recent years.
Axial length refers to the distance from the front to the back of the eye. It plays a pivotal role in myopia, as an elongation of the eye is a key characteristic of this condition. Traditional methods of diagnosing myopia, such as refractive error measurement, only provide information about the eye's focusing power. However, they fail to address the underlying issue of eye elongation, which is vital for determining the severity of myopia and guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
A recent article published in The Review of Myopia Management by Thomas Naduvilath, Msc Biostatistics, PhD, the Head of Biostatistics at BHVI, concluded that
Axial length is the primary outcome measure for determining myopia progression and evaluating the effectiveness of myopia control treatments.
At present, the use of an optical biometer has been classified as the gold standard for measuring axial length however a survey of 600 optometrists I conducted showed that 94% did not have access to a device capable of measuring axial length. However, when asked a follow-up question if they wanted a cost-effective, easy-to-use, handheld solution, 94% said they did.
This is why I am excited about the Occuity AX1 Axiometer. The AX1 measures axial length and addresses the above demand for an easy-to-use, cost-effective and non-contacting solution in clinical workflows for eye care professionals. This revolutionary tool promises to transform the monitoring and management of myopia. By eliminating the need for invasive procedures, it prioritises patient comfort and reduces the risk of complications. Its user-friendly design and intuitive interface will make it accessible to ophthalmic professionals of all experience levels, thereby improving efficiency in busy clinical settings. Significantly, its handheld functionality will also make it easy to use on younger children who can struggle to be accommodated on large, expensive desktop machines. With its significant potential recognised by the market, this innovative device is set to become an indispensable tool in ophthalmic practices worldwide.