Whether they represent two independent mechanisms that are independently regulated is yet to be resolved. The interrelationship between biochemical and biomechanical changes in the sclera, and intraocular pressure, and their significance for eye size changes is another area of on-going research. There is significant incentive to come up with a drug that might be used to either prevent the development or slow the progression of human myopia. Attention to date has been mostly directed at two drug groups, dopamine analogs, and antimuscarinic drugs. However, the data are not clear cut, and in terms of efficacy for treating human myopia, any drug that mediates its effects through changes in retinal function is likely to be problematic in terms of side-effects.
Antimuscarinic drugs hold more promise as they appear to directly inhibit scleral growth.
The selective drug, pirenzepine , is about to go into clinical trial. However, there are many other possible candidates including RA analogs.