From the Guidelines
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a significant public health concern affecting approximately 2 billion people worldwide, with projections suggesting this number could rise to 5 billion by 2050, and in India, it affects about 30-35% of the population, with a prevalence of 7.5% among schoolchildren, as reported in a recent meta-analysis 1.
Definition and Causes of Myopia
Myopia is a refractive error where close objects appear clear but distant objects look blurry due to the eye focusing light in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. Both hereditary and environmental factors, such as increased screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and intensive near work, contribute to the development of myopia.
Global and Indian Burden of Myopia
Globally, myopia has reached epidemic proportions in East Asia, with prevalence rates exceeding 80% among young adults in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. In India, myopia affects urban areas more than rural regions, with prevalence rates ranging from 6-8% in rural areas to 10-20% in urban settings among schoolchildren. The burden of myopia extends beyond vision impairment to include economic costs of corrective lenses, reduced productivity, and increased risk of serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
Key Factors Contributing to Myopia
Environmental factors, such as increased screen time and reduced outdoor activity, play a significant role in the development and progression of myopia. A recent study found that increased outdoor time is protective against myopia in children, and low-concentration atropine has been shown to reduce the likelihood of myopia onset 1. Additionally, multifocal spectacles and contact lenses, and overnight orthokeratology have been found to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in school-age children.
Recommendations for Reducing the Burden of Myopia
To reduce the burden of myopia, it is essential to promote increased outdoor time and reduce near work, especially among children and young adults, as supported by recent studies 1. Furthermore, effective interventions, such as topical antimuscarinic agents, multifocal contact lenses, and orthokeratology, should be considered for patients at risk of myopia progression. By addressing the growing public health concern of myopia, we can reduce the economic and social burdens associated with this condition and improve the quality of life for millions of people worldwide.
From the Research
Definition and Global Burden of Myopia
- Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a common condition that typically starts in childhood 2.
- Severe forms of myopia (pathologic myopia) are associated with a risk of other associated ophthalmic problems 2.
- Myopia affects all populations and is reaching epidemic proportions in East Asia, although there are differences in prevalence between countries 2.
- Complications associated with axial elongation from myopia are the sixth leading cause of blindness, and myopia occurs in more than 50% of the population in many industrialized countries 3.
Indian Burden of Myopia
- There is no specific data available in the provided studies regarding the burden of myopia in India.
- However, it can be inferred that myopia is a significant public health concern globally, and India, being a densely populated country, may also be affected by this condition.
Risk Factors and Management
- Myopia is caused by both environmental and genetic risk factors 2, 3.
- A range of myopia management and control strategies are available, including atropine, progressive addition spectacle lenses, orthokeratology, and multifocal contact lenses 3.
- Understanding the factors involved in delaying myopia onset and slowing its progression will be key to reducing the rapid rise in its global prevalence 2.
- The potential benefits of myopia control outweigh the risks, and a 1-D reduction in myopia can lower the predicted mean years of visual impairment 4.