WHAT IS MYOPIA?
Myopia is more than nearsightedness or the inability to see distant objects clearly.2 So what is the definition of myopia? Here are four key facts to know:
- Myopia is a chronic, progressive disease that leads to the eye growing too long.2-4
- This lengthening of the eye changes the eye’s ability to focus on distant objects, resulting in blurry vision.2
- Myopia may also increase the risk of permanent vision loss due to the development of cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, or other eye conditions.6
- Lifestyle changes, including more near work* and less outdoor time, are contributing to more children than ever before developing myopia at an early age.7,8
Myopia in Children – Why It’s A Growing Problem
Previously, myopia was thought of as simply nearsightedness or blurry distance vision.2 We now know it’s so much more. Myopia is a chronic, progressive disease that is affecting children at an alarming pace.2-4 The number of people with myopia has nearly doubled over the past 20 years.5 It’s estimated that about one in three children in the U.S are affected by myopia.1
Johnson & Johnson Vision has invested decades in understanding myopia and developing technology to address this condition that threatens to take away our most treasured sense: Sight.
Johnson & Johnson Vision has invested decades in understanding myopia and developing technology to address this condition that threatens to take away our most treasured sense: Sight.

Why Every Change in Eyesight Matters
While high levels of myopia tend to increase the risk of sight-threatening complications later in adulthood, there is no safe level of myopia.2 Even lower levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of eye issues.
For example, every diopter (one step) increase in myopia raises the risk of myopic macular degeneration, a sight-threatening eye disease, by 67 percent.9
For example, every diopter (one step) increase in myopia raises the risk of myopic macular degeneration, a sight-threatening eye disease, by 67 percent.9

Is My Child at Risk of Myopia?
Take our Myopia Assessment Quiz to better understand what causes myopia and the risk factors associated with myopia in children. As a parent, you’ll receive a general estimate of what risk level your child may have for developing myopia.TAKE THE QUIZ
What Can I Do About My Child’s Myopia?
Once a child develops myopia, it is very likely to worsen as they grow, resulting in the need for higher and higher prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.10
- Every child should be monitored for myopia from an early age, with annual comprehensive eye exams starting by the age of 5.11,12
- A comprehensive eye exam – which is much more extensive than an annual vision screening at school – can detect the early signs of myopia, as well as more than 270 systemic and chronic diseases.13
- If a child has myopia, treatments are available.
Lifestyle Changes for Myopia
Simple lifestyle changes may help reduce the likelihood of developing myopia.

More time outdoors
Research shows that spending at least two hours per day outdoors can help reduce myopia onset or slow its progression.14

Less near work
Some experts recommend spending less than three hours per day on homework and reading.15

Follow the 20-20-20 rule
Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.16,17
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