Myopia is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by excessive eye elongation, risk of associated sight-threatening complications, and a negative-powered refractive error.1-3
MANAGING MYOPIA IMAGE
GROWING GLOBAL EPIDEMIC
Reports of increased myopia prevalence in children first emerged in Asia in the 1980s4, 5
The number of people with myopia has nearly doubled within the past 20 years in both eastern and western societies6.
Prevalence among young adults is reported to be above 80% in many Asian regions,7 and 50% in the U.S. and parts of Europe.8, 9
Children in the first wave of high myopia prevalence (those born after 1970) are now on the cusp of experiencing sight-threatening complications as adults.10, 11, 12
NO SAFE LEVEL OF MYOPIA
The elongated eye is susceptible to pathological complications with significant risks to eye health and vision12, 14
Any degree of myopia increases the risk of sight-threatening complications, with some complications leading to blindness in adulthood15, 16
Each diopter increase in myopia results in 67% increased risk of myopic macular degeneration (MMD)17
Any degree of myopia increases the risk of sight-threatening complications.
CONTROLLING MYOPIA PROGRESSION image
MANAGING MYOPIA
Eye care professionals have the opportunity to manage myopia.
Increased time outdoors can delay myopia onset18 and may slow its progression19