09/04/2026
New research from The University of Oklahoma College of Medicine professor of cell biology Dr. Jody Summers, and colleagues at the OU College of Medicine and OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute may help reshape how we understand and treat myopia (nearsightedness).
In a study of nearly 200 pediatric patients, researchers found early evidence that reducing inflammation may help delay the onset of myopia. Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis who were being treated with anti-inflammatory medications became myopic at an average age of 17, compared to about age 10 in children without underlying illnesses.
As myopia rates continue to rise worldwide, these findings could have important implications for long-term eye health. More severe myopia is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic macular degeneration.
While additional research is needed, these results support the possibility that inflammation plays a role in myopia development and could point the way toward new treatments designed to slow its progression and help protect vision for the future.
“We’re excited to see what the next data set shows,” said Dr. Summers. “If we could identify children who are at risk of becoming myopic or are just starting to become myopic, then we could start treatment early and potentially slow its progression.”
Research like this reflects OU Health's commitment to advancing discoveries that improve patient care, expand treatment options and help create a healthier future for Oklahomans and communities beyond our state.
