A new generation of optical treatment has been designed to manage contrast levels at the retina to slow myopia progression. Eye growth and refractive development are visually guided processes, and manipulation of the retinal image can change the course of refractive development. These findings have formed the scientific basis for novel, effective myopia control optical interventions using contrast management when most optical interventions are designed to induce relative myopic defocus. The purpose of this presentation is to explore the evidence base for contrast management, including how it relates to defocus-based interventions.

Learning outcomes: 

• Practitioners are able to recognise the impact contrast levels may have on myopia development
• Practitioners are able to compare contrast management and defocus as different mechanisms of action in optical myopia control interventions
• Practitioners are able to outline tools to monitor performance of myopia control interventions