Myopia prevention practices among ophthalmologists in Hong Kong: a ‎cross-sectional ‎‎survey

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the preferred pharmacological, optical, and behavioral interventions for myopia control among private-sector ophthalmologists in Hong Kong.

Methods: Between July and August 2025, a survey was distributed electronically to private-sector ophthalmologists in Hong Kong. Ophthalmologists working exclusively in the public sector were excluded because interventions to control myopia, such as low-dose atropine, optical interventions, and red-light therapy, are only available in the private sector. Data collected included participants’ demographics, years of clinical experience, and interventions used including pharmacological, optical, behavioral, and red-light therapies. All responses were  aggregated for analysis.

Results: In total, 118 private-sector ophthalmologists were included in analysis. In terms of preferred treatment modality, 91.5% preferred pharmacological,
5.1% preferred optical, and 3.4% preferred behavioral interventions although many used a combination of modalities. Most (97.5%) respondents had prescribed eye drops, typically atropine, and the most common concentrations were 0.05% and 0.01%. However, there was no consensus on the criteria for initiation and discontinuation of eye drop treatment. The most frequently prescribed optical intervention was peripheral defocus spectacle lenses (86.5%).
Behavioral recommendations were also commonly provided. Only 5.1% of respondents prescribed red-light therapy.

Conclusion: Among private-sector ophthalmologists in Hong Kong, low-dose atropine is the most frequently used pharmacological intervention for myopia. However, there is no consensus on the criteria for initiating and discontinuing treatment. Optical intervention (particularly peripheral defocus spectacle lenses) and behavioral recommendations are also commonly used.