Myopia control strategies: a survey of Brazilian ophthalmologists

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the strategies adopted by Brazilian ophthalmologists to control myopia in clinical practice. METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Data were collected using an online questionnaire. RESULTS: Responses from 148 participants were collected between March and May 2024. The majority of respondents were general ophthalmologists (51%) and pediatric ophthalmologists (43%). They came from all regions of Brazil, but more than half (52%) were from the Southeast region. Most participants (30%) had over 20 years of clinical practice experience. A significant proportion (89.2%) treated progressive myopia. The most requested complementary exams were optical biometry (83.78%) and corneal topography or tomography (69.59%). Behavioral measures were considered the most effective myopia treatment strategies by 41.2% of the respondents, followed by optical (33.8%) and pharmacological interventions (25%). Most recommended spending more time outdoors (94.59%) and reducing screen time (93.92%). Spectacle lenses for myopia (83.11%) and 0.025% atropine eye drops (54.73%) were the most prescribed treatments after the recommendation of environmental and behavioral changes. CONCLUSION: This study presents a novel analysis of the clinical strategies for myopia control among Brazilian ophthalmologists. Understanding current clinical practices and identifying possible improvements are essential steps toward developing evidence-based guidelines and professional education aimed at improving patient care.