Enter the child’s age, refraction and a few lifestyle answers: you see the status by the IMI definitions, the risk factors and when to check again.
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The IMI definitions at a glance
The International Myopia Institute (IMI) defines the stages by the spherical equivalent refraction, measured with accommodation relaxed:
- Myopia: −0.50 D or stronger.
- High myopia: −6.00 D or stronger.
- Pre-myopia: between +0.75 D and −0.50 D in a child whose age, refraction and risk factors make myopia likely.
Source: International Myopia Institute, Defining and Classifying Myopia (2019), myopiainstitute.org.
Instruments for myopia management
Following a child over the years means the same measurements at every visit: refraction, ideally cycloplegic, a look at the front of the eye, and axial length where possible.
- an autorefractor with keratometer for a quick objective refraction and corneal curvature at every visit;
- a slit lamp for the front of the eye and the fit of contact lenses;
- trial lens sets for the subjective refraction and the full correction.
Looking for an optical biometer for axial length or a corneal topographer for orthokeratology? Ask us what fits your practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is this guide a diagnosis?
No. It sorts the refraction by the IMI definitions and lists the known risk factors. The judgement stays with the eye-care professional.
Is anything I enter stored?
No. The guide runs in your browser; nothing you enter is sent to us or saved.
Why does the guide ask about time outdoors and near work?
Less than two hours outdoors a day, a lot of near work and myopic parents are the risk factors the IMI names most often. The guide lists the ones that apply.
Can parents use this guide?
The guide is written for optometrists, opticians and eye doctors. Parents: please see your optometrist or eye doctor.