Myopia management attitudes in children in clinical practice, towards an innovative and environmental study in Morocco

¹ Laboratory of Electronic Systems, Mechanical and Energy Information Processing, Faculty of Science, Ibn Tofail University, Morocco.
² Biological Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Sultan Moulay Slimane University, Mghila, 23000, Beni Mellal, Morocco.
³ Laboratory of high energy physics, modeling and simulation, faculty of sciences Mohamed V Rabat University.
⁴ Higher institute of health sciences Settat. 5 Ilya Prigogine Optical optometry institute, Brussels, Belgium.

Abstract

Myopia is a global public health problem due to its increasing prevalence. Thus, there is growing interest in its early prevention. However, there is a lack of information on the interventions adopted by visual health professionals in Morocco for the management of myopia in children. This study aims to assess their knowledge and raise their awareness of the impact of environmental factors likely to influence the risk of myopia progression. To achieve these objectives, an online survey was distributed to eye care specialists across the country, including a questionnaire assessing their mastery of the different methods available for treating myopia, their level of concern about its development in children, and their opinion on the impact of environmental factors on its onset and growth. The results indicate that most of the professionals consulted are concerned about this pandemic. However, they currently only offer single vision lenses and soft contact lenses, indicating the need for professional training aimed at educating specialists in clinical approaches to myopia management. This would encourage them to adopt alternative solutions for managing myopic children, and to pay particular attention to the environmental factors that influence the onset and progression of myopia.