Effects of steam warming eye masks on choroidal perfusion, visual function, dry eye measures, and symptoms in children with myopia

Innovative eye warming therapies may enhance comfort and ocular health in paediatric patients, potentially aiding in myopia management. Recognising the impact of ocular surface and perfusion improvements can guide optometrists in adopting non-invasive, supportive interventions to promote eye health and prevent progression of myopia in children.
This study investigates the effects of steam-warming eye masks on the potential prevention and management of myopia in Chinese children.
A single-arm design was used, enrolling myopic and pre-myopic children at Shanghai Aier Puliang Eye Hospital from July 8 to 1 August 2024. All participants underwent treatment with steam-warming eye masks.
The study included 127 eyes from 68 children, with 31 classified as pre-myopic and 37 as myopic. The application of the steam warming eye mask led to significant improvements in key ocular parametres. Choroidal perfusion in the central retina increased significantly in the 0–9 mm and 3–9 mm regions (p < 0.001). Symptom scores for eye strain, dryness, and soreness decreased by 60.75%, 22.96%, and 33.24%, respectively (p < 0.001). Ocular amplitude of accommodation and blink stability improved by 13.90% (p < 0.001) and 25.26% (p < 0.001), respectively. No significant changes were found in visual acuity or refractive error, nor in tear meniscus height (p = 0.117).
Steam warming eye mask significantly improved ocular comfort, visual function, and choroidal perfusion in children, suggesting its potential as a practical tool for managing paediatric ocular health and controlling myopia.

创新眼部温热疗法可提升儿科患者的眼部舒适度与眼健康水平，或有助于近视管理。明晰眼表状态优化与眼部灌注改善的临床价值，可指导验光师采用无创支持性干预措施，以促进儿童眼健康、阻止近视进展。
本研究旨在探究蒸汽热敷眼罩对中国儿童近视防控与管理的潜在作用。
本研究采用单臂试验设计，于2024年7月8日至8月1日期间，在上海爱尔普亮眼科医院招募近视及近视前期儿童作为受试者，所有参与者均接受蒸汽热敷眼罩干预。
本研究共纳入68名儿童的127只眼，其中31只为近视前期眼，37只为近视性眼。蒸汽热敷眼罩干预后，受试者多项关键眼部参数均得到显著改善。中央视网膜0-9mm及3-9mm区域的脉络膜灌注量均显著提升（p<0.001）。眼疲劳、眼干及眼痛症状评分分别下降60.75%、22.96%与33.24%（p<0.001）。眼部调节幅度与瞬目稳定性分别提升13.90%与25.26%（p<0.001）。视力、屈光不正状态及泪河高度均未出现显著变化（p=0.117）。
蒸汽热敷眼罩可显著改善儿童的眼部舒适度、视功能与脉络膜灌注状态，提示其有望成为管理儿童眼健康、控制近视进展的实用干预手段。