Myopia—commonly known as nearsightedness—goes far beyond the simple need for corrective lenses. It’s a complex condition that has reached epidemic proportions around the world, especially among children and teenagers. What may start as a minor inconvenience can quickly progress, carrying serious long-term risks to eye health.
Myopia happens when the eye grows too long from front to back (axial length), or when the cornea is overly curved. Instead of light focusing directly on the retina, it lands in front of it—making distant objects look blurry while close-up vision stays sharp.
Struggling to see the board in class
Squinting to bring things into focus
Frequent headaches or eye strain
Sitting very close to books, TVs, or screens
If these sound familiar to your patients, it may be time for an eye exam.
Rates of myopia have soared in the past few decades. In some parts of East Asia, nearly 9 out of 10 teens and young adults are now myopic. In the U.S. and Europe, the numbers have doubled in just 50 years.
Researchers believe this surge is driven by:
Increased near work: More screen time, more studying, and more close-up tasks.
Less time outdoors: Sunlight and distance viewing play a key role in healthy eye development.
Genetics: Kids with one or both myopic parents face a higher risk.
Mild myopia can usually be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. But when it progresses—particularly into
Vision-threatening diseases: Higher chances of retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts.
Permanent eye changes: Once the eye elongates, it can’t be reversed—even with surgery.
Life impact: Severe myopia can affect school, career choices, and even eligibility for certain professions or sports.
The good news? Myopia progression can be slowed—especially when caught early. Here’s what research supports:
Two or more hours of outdoor play each day can significantly reduce the risk of developing or worsening myopia. Natural light and looking into the distance help regulate healthy eye growth.
Advise your patients to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Limiting close-up device use, especially in dim lighting, also helps.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Overnight contact lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily.
Multifocal contact lenses or glasses: Designed to reduce signals that drive eye elongation.
Atropine eye drops: Low-dose drops (under a doctor’s supervision) have shown success in slowing
Yearly exams are essential—especially if there’s a family history of myopia. Early detection gives the best chance of slowing progression.
Myopia is no longer just a vision inconvenience—it’s a global public health issue with lifelong consequences. The earlier it begins, the more likely it is to reach dangerous levels. That’s why parents, teachers, and healthcare providers must work together to build healthy visual habits, encourage outdoor time, and take advantage of proven treatment options.
Taking action today can protect children’s vision for tomorrow—and for the rest of their lives.
Stay tuned: In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing details on a breakthrough new lens design that’s helping slow myopia progression in young patients.