The fight against pediatric myopia in Venezuela has gained momentum thanks to Dr. Zuriñe Quintana, the visionary pediatric ophthalmologist leading the Myopia Clinic at the IUMO Ophthalmological Institute. Dr. Quintana and her team have implemented a multidisciplinary approach to myopia management, integrating cutting-edge technology like Topcon MYAH^® to revolutionize care. Partnering with the Madre María Luisa Casar Foundation, IUMO launched a comprehensive eye health initiative for children aged 6 to 17 in the Jenaro Aguirre student unit of Petare, Caracas.

Nestled in one of Latin America’s most densely populated areas, Petare grapples with healthcare disparities, especially in eye care. This initiative ensures that the project not only provides thorough evaluations but also prioritizes early detection and myopia management, paving the way for improved vision and brighter futures for the community’s youth.

How Myopia Affects Children’s Vision

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a growing concern among children, where it often develops before age 10 and progresses rapidly. Without proper management, it can affect academic performance and limit participation in daily activities like sports and reading.

Recognizing these challenges, IUMO’s project focuses on early detection and intervention to prevent progression and provide effective management solutions. Addressing pediatric myopia early is essential to ensuring healthy vision and supporting children’s educational and social development.

Evaluation and Screening with Topcon MYAH: A Commitment to Children’s Eye Health

The Topcon MYAH Optical Biometer and Corneal Topographer proved indispensable during IUMO’s three-day evaluations. MYAH is a versatile instrument that measures baseline axial length and tracks changes over time. It also features corneal topography, meibography, pupillometry, anterior corneal wavefront analysis, and contact lens fitting software. These multifunctional capabilities make MYAH a comprehensive tool for monitoring axial length, evaluating dry eye, assessing visual quality, and fitting specialty lenses.

The IUMO Clinic Director, Dr. Libe Leizaola reflected, “During the evaluation, children’s refraction, visual acuity, axial length, and percentile characteristics were measured. This allowed us to assess how many of these children needed a second evaluation in the office if they were nearsighted or suspected to be so.”

The precise data from Topcon MYAH enabled IUMO to make informed diagnoses and implement tailored myopia management strategies.

Research Outcomes and Impact

Of the 242 children evaluated in Petare, a staggering 51 were identified as needing further assessment, representing approximately 21% of the sample. They were called for a second evaluation in the IUMO clinic.

Dr. Leizaola described, “It was a beautiful experience, full of optimism and a desire to do things well. Topcon’s MYAH proved to be very useful for screening, diagnosis, and follow-up of myopic patients and detecting pre-myopic patients, to whom all our attention was directed. We found cases of myopia magna (pathological myopia), amblyopia, and strabismus; all underwent refraction and were provided with formulas for making lenses. Especially for pre-myopic children, we gave recommendations to delay the onset of myopia.”

Ongoing Commitment to Pediatric Eye Health

Once a diagnosis is made, children undergo evaluations every six months or annually during consultations to ensure timely and effective ophthalmological care. This proactive approach is vital for monitoring and managing their eye health, providing them with the best possible outcomes.

A Brighter Future with Topcon MYAH

Clear vision is essential for a child’s development and overall quality of life. Recognizing this, the Myopia Clinic of the IUMO Ophthalmological Institute has made the early detection of pediatric myopia a key goal to accomplish. Through innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, the clinic and its partners, including Topcon, are paving the way for a brighter future by advancing eye care and effectively managing myopia.

All Images Credit: IUMO Ophthalmological Institute