Factors Influencing Myopia Progression

The development and progression of myopia is not completely understood; however it is influenced by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors.¹

Genetic influences

• Family history: Having one or both parents with myopia increases a child’s likelihood of developing the condition.¹
• Ethnicity: Children of East Asian descent show a higher prevalence of myopia compared with other ethnicities.²

Environmental influences

• Limited outdoor time and urban living: Reduced exposure to natural light and time spent outdoors have been identified as key lifestyle risk factors.¹ Spending more time outdoors daily may reduce the risk of onset.^1,3
• Near-work and educational pressure: Spending long periods on near-work activities may play a role in myopia progression, but the evidence is mixed, with some studies reporting conflicting results.^1,4

These risk factors highlight the need for early identification and proactive monitoring to reduce progression and prevent long-term complications.

References

1. Martínez-Albert N, et al. J Clin Med. 2023;12:6062.

2. Ip JM, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2008;49:2903-2910.

3. Lingham G, et al. Sci Rep. 2021;11:6337.

4. Németh J, et al. Eur J Ophthalmol. 2021;31:853-883.