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Myopia: A Growing Global Challenge

Myopia is rapidly becoming a growing public health concern in eye care.1 The condition, caused by a mismatch between the eye’s optical power and axial length, leads to blurred vision and can lead to complications, such as retinal detachment and myopic maculopathy.1-4  With rising prevalence linked to lifestyle and environmental changes, myopia now affects many children worldwide.1 By 2050, it is projected to impact around half of the world’s population and become a leading cause of blindness.1,2 Early identification and timely intervention are essential to slow progression and safeguard long-term visual health.2

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Understanding progressive myopia

Progressive myopia is a rapidly worsening vision condition that often begins in early childhood and increases the risk of severe, irreversible eye disease.1,2 Its prevalence is rising sharply worldwide, with half the global population projected to be myopic by 2050.3

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Factors influencing myopia progression

Myopia arises from a mix of genetic and environmental influences.4 Children with myopic parents and those of East Asian descent face higher genetic risk, while limited outdoor time, urban living, and prolonged near‑work further contribute to onset and progression.4-7 These combined factors underscore the importance of early identification and ongoing monitoring to prevent long‑term complications.

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Myopia progression and its consequences

Early‑onset myopia is more likely to progress to high myopia, greatly increasing the risk of serious, sight‑threatening eye disease.2,8,9 Each additional dioptre worsens this risk and can affect children’s quality of life.10-14 Progressive myopia also carries wider societal impact, while controlling it can improve children’s wellbeing.3,15

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References

  1. Ma Y, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016;57:6188-6196.

  2. Gifford KL, et al. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2019;60:M184-M203.

  3. Holden BA, et al. Ophthalmology. 2016;123:1036-1042.

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

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

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

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

  8. Chua SYL, et al. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2016;36:388-394.

  9. Verkicharla PK, et al. PLoS One. 2020;15:e0241759.

  10. Bullimore MA, et al. Ophthalmology. 2021;128:1561-1579.

  11. Rose K, et al. Br J Ophthalmol. 2000;84:1031-1034.

  12. Lazarczyk JB, et al. BMC Ophthalmol. 2016;16:201.

  13. Congdon N, et al. Community Eye Health. 2019;32:7-8.

  14. Dudovitz RN, et al. Matern Child Health J. 2015;20(5):974-983.

  15. Dahlmann-Noor AH, et al. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2024;44(7):1368-1391.

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