Electronic health record (EHR) platforms can facilitate the care of myopia patients.

Here are the features that I feel accomplish this.

Personal data collection
Case history via the following components has ensured that I have all the necessary background information to make informed management decisions:

• Basic demographic information. Age, gender, ethnicity, body height, and weight are all pertinent to the risk evaluation of myopia development and progression.

• Specific personal and family history of myopia. Age of myopia onset, progression patterns, previous treatments, and family history provide a prescient view of the
condition. 

• Qualitative/quantitative lifestyle and environmental data. Visual demand, screen time, outdoor activity, reading habits, etc., help determine management.

Clinical assessment recording
The integration of the following data points ensures the easy tracking of disease progression and treatment efficacy:

• Ocular biometric data (i.e., corneal curvature, an-terior chamber depth, lens thickness, and axial length).

• Dynamic pupillometry data. This aids in the customization of lens designs and in the monitoring of compliance with low-dose atropine treatment.

• Systematic recording of eyewear parameters used for myopia management.

Diagnostic image integration/analysis
The seamless incorporation of diagnostic imaging, such as corneal topography, anterior segment imaging, fluorescein videography of specialty contact lens fitting, optical coherence tomography, and fundus photography facilitates comparison over time.

Automated image analysis tools can assist in identifying subtle changes in corneal shape and retinal structure, helping in early detection and timely intervention.

Remote monitoring integration
The automatic integration and assessment of data from wearable devices and remote monitoring tools that track screen time, outdoor exposure, and light levels can enhance management.

AI-assisted scribing
Natural language processing algorithms to transcribe and structure clinical conversations in real-time enable patient interaction, while ensuring all needed information is accurately captured and documented.

Intelligent summarization
Summarization of key results, treatment plans, and follow-up actions via AI help reduce administrative burdens and ensure that details are not overlooked.

Also, it provides patients with clear and concise visit summaries, improving communication and their adherence to treatment plans.

Streaming analysis
The continuous monitoring of disease progression and treat-ment response is vital to timely interventions.

Heed the need
The implementation of specialized EHR systems will be crucial in addressing this public health concern, as myopia continues to rise.

Maria Liu, OD, is an associate professor at Herbert Wertheim School of Optometry & Vision Science, University of California (UC) Berkeley. She is also the founder of the Myopia Control Clinic, UC Berkeley Eye Center. She received her bachelor’s degree of Clinical Medicine from Peking University, her OD from Pacific University, and her PhD and MPH from UC Berkeley. She is a recognized clinical researcher in myopia. Dr. Liu is a consultant for CooperVision and Essilor China.