Advancing Myopia Treatment: Insights from Dr. Caroline DeBenedictis
At ReFocus Eye Health, we take pride in fostering collaboration among our network of more than 140 ophthalmologists and optometrists, all dedicated to elevating patient care. Our commitment to sharing knowledge is at the heart of The ReFocus Roundtable, a newsletter designed to showcase insights from our specialists and highlight key advancements in eye health. In this edition, we are excited to spotlight an article by Dr. Caroline N. DeBenedictis, an esteemed pediatric ophthalmologist, on the evolving landscape of myopia progression prevention.
A Quick Look at the article: Myopia Progression Prevention Advancements in Treatment Options
Key Takeaways from the Article:
- Myopia is on the rise. Prevalence varies worldwide, with rates as high as 80–90% in parts of Asia.
- Serious consequences. While most cases are non-pathologic, progression to high myopia can lead to significant retinal and posterior eye changes, risking visual impairment.
Two main treatment options:
- Low-dose atropine eye drops (0.01%–0.05%) have been shown to slow axial elongation with minimal side effects.
- MiSight contact lenses, FDA-approved since 2019, reduce myopia progression by 59% over three years.
Who benefits most?
Patients with a strong family history of high myopia, early-onset myopia, or rapid progression are ideal candidates for treatment. Access and affordability challenges. Many treatments remain out-of-pocket expenses, limiting accessibility for some patients.
Dr. DeBenedictis highlights the importance of ongoing research and long-term studies to refine treatment guidelines for slowing myopia progression effectively.
Meet Dr. Caroline N. DeBenedictis
Dr. DeBenedictis is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric eye care and adult strabismus. With fellowship training from the prestigious Wills Eye Hospital, she has dedicated her career to diagnosing and managing complex eye conditions in children and adults. She is also a contributing author and editor for Pediatric Ophthalmology in the Wills Eye Institute Atlas Series, demonstrating her commitment to advancing pediatric eye care.
She sees patients at two key ReFocus Eye Health locations:
- Bloomfield, CT – Specializing in complex surgical eye care.
- Waterbury, CT – A recently renovated, family-friendly facility focusing on pediatric ophthalmology.
Strengthening Our Network Through Collaboration
The ReFocus Roundtable is more than just a newsletter—it’s a platform where specialists within our network share groundbreaking research, discuss emerging treatments, and collaborate to enhance patient outcomes. Dr. DeBenedictis' work is a prime example of how knowledge-sharing benefits both practitioners and the patients they serve.
We invite you to stay connected with The ReFocus Roundtable as we continue to highlight the expertise of our network and eaxplore the latest advancements in ophthalmology.
For more information about Dr. DeBenedictis’ practice or to schedule an appointment, visit ReFocus Eye Health.