ARVO 2026: Anti-inflammatory agents and refractive development in children

Michael Siatkowski, MD, and Jody Summers, PhD, discussed the rising myopia epidemic, particularly in the US, where up to 50% of children are affected. They explored the role of inflammation in myopic progression, noting that anti-inflammatory treatments may slow myopia. Their pilot study involved juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients, finding that those on anti-inflammatories had slower myopia progression compared to untreated patients. Summers' animal model research suggested dexamethasone as effective. Future studies are needed to determine if treatment initiation and cessation impact myopia progression and to identify effective anti-inflammatories, potentially including topical options.