Wales reviews cost of myopia options

A review carried out by Health Technology Wales found orthokeratology and multifocal soft contact lenses were cost-effective methods of slowing myopia progression in children.

The national body said evidence showed these treatment options significantly reduced spherical equivalent refraction progression and axial length elongation over, at least, two years of follow up.

The review said: ‘Economic modelling estimates that orthokeratology and multifocal soft contact lenses may be cost effective compared with single-vision correction, driven by the assumption of quality-of-life gains from a reduction in long-term myopia progression and its complications.’

Health Technology Wales looked for evidence on the clinical and cost effectiveness of myopia-control spectacles and contact lenses to slow the progression of short-sightedness in children and adolescents.