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Interventions for myopia control in children: a living systematic review and network meta‐analysis

J. Lawrenson, Rakhee Shah, B. Huntjens, L. Downie, G. Virgili, Rohit Dhakal, P. Verkicharla, Dongfeng Li et al.

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021

11,617 participants · 250 citations

Abstract

Abstract Background Myopia is a common refractive error, where elongation of the eyeball causes distant objects to appear blurred. The increasing prevalence of myopia is a growing global public health problem, in terms of rates of uncorrected refractive error and significantly, an increased risk of visual impairment due to myopia‐related ocular morbidity. Since myopia is usually detected in children before 10 years of age and can progress rapidly, interventions to slow its progression need to be delivered in childhood. Objectives To assess the comparative efficacy of optical, pharmacological and environmental interventions for slowing myopia progression in children using network meta‐analysis (NMA). To generate a relative ranking of myopia control interventions according to their efficacy. To produce a brief economic commentary, summarising the economic evaluations assessing myopia control interventions in children. To maintain the currency of the evidence using a living systematic review approach. Search methods We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register), MEDLINE; Embase; and three trials registers. The search date was 26 February 2022. Selection criteria We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of optical, pharmacological and environmental interventions for slowing myopia progression in children aged 18 years or younger. Critical outcomes were progression of myopia (defined as the difference in the change in spherical…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 11,617 participants or records.

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