Optical Methods to Slow the Progression of Myopia

Myopia, the 6th leading cause of loss of vision, is increasing at epidemic rates; by 2050, almost half of the world’s population will be myopic [1–3]. Thus, slowing the progression of myopia, specifically axial length, has been assumed to decrease associated myopia-related diseases that cause vision loss. Current methods of slowing progressive myopia are based upon light (spectral composition, brightness, contrast, and/or accommodative demand), optical defocus (either lag of accommodation or relative hyperopia in the retina periphery as a result of the shape of the eye), and/or pharmacological intervention [4, 5]. This chapter will deal with optical interventions.