Myopia is On the Rise Worldwide – What Can Be Done?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is rising rapidly worldwide. Though it has long been a common refractive issue, it is predicted that myopia rates will only continue to rise. Currently, around 30% of the world is currently myopic, but this is expected to increase to 50% by 2050. East and Southeast Asia are myopia hotspots, with some countries having a myopia prevalence of 80 to 90%. Short-sightedness may not seem like a severe problem, but symptoms like blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, squinting, and more can hamper one’s quality of life. In more severe cases, it can lead to other eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts, if left untreated.

A major hurdle for those struggling with myopia is that eye care is often inaccessible and costly, especially for marginalized populations that may not have the resources to afford regular eye care and may lack the awareness of where to find the proper help. Myopia is also becoming increasingly prevalent in children and young adults, largely due to the increase in screen time and decrease in time spent outdoors.

Though myopia is irreversible, there are still ways to manage eye health and slow its progression. Here are some ways individual action can be taken to address short-sightedness:

Regular eye exams

Eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health, but very few get them done regularly. Fortunately, the online world has increased access to and awareness of eye care resources. It’s easier to locate nearby eye exams through online means, allowing people to find an eye care facility nearby by using a search engine or an online eyewear retailer’s online tools. However, many may be unable to afford an eye exam due to a lack of insurance or funds, hampering myopia treatments or management. To accommodate underprivileged groups, free, low-cost, or discounted eye exams are increasing and becoming more available, offered by reliable retailers and programs to those eligible. Governments should further strengthen these initiatives to ensure populations can get the eye care necessary to address myopia and prevent it from progressing into severe conditions.

Eye drops

Myopia in children may be slowed with the help of low-dose atropine eye drops. Atropine is a drug that is used to dilate pupils, and a study from JAMA Ophthalmology found that it helped limit eyeglass prescription changes and inhibit elongation of the eye. A daily drop in each eye for two to three years can help control pediatric myopia for children aged five to eighteen. When myopia is addressed early on in life, it can help preserve eye health as children grow older, even if eyeglasses or contact lenses are necessary for clear vision. It prevents myopia from worsening later on in life or causing it to develop into other eye conditions that can lead to low vision or blindness.

Decreased screen time

A major reason for soaring myopia rates is the rise of digital devices, which reduce time spent outdoors—an element crucial to eye health and overall well-being. High screen time is a culprit for pediatric myopia, but the integration of screens in almost every aspect of life affects people of all ages as well. Focusing too much on near objects like phones or computer screens elongates the eyeball and prevents the eye from bending light properly, causing myopia. With children using devices at a young age when their eyes are still developing, many of them become myopic at an earlier age than usual. Spending more time outdoors can prevent the eyes from elongating by promoting long-distance focusing and allowing dopamine to be released into the eye.

Eye care is an unfortunately overlooked aspect of health and many people worldwide cannot access the help needed. Ensuring proper vision care is crucial to maintaining and improving one’s quality of life. Myopia may be a less severe condition than others, but it still requires the proper interventions to prevent its progression. Marginalized populations are at higher risk of being affected by eye conditions, so increasing access and making these solutions affordable is necessary to boost their well-being and empower them.