Addressing the myopia epidemic

The rising prevalence of myopia is alarming. In 2010, myopia affected 30% of the world’s population and by 2050, nearly 50% will be affected.¹ In the USA, myopia increased from 25% to 42% between 1972 and 2004.² East Asia is already afflicted by rates of myopia ranging from 80% to 96%.³

Although myopia is considered a refractive condition that is easily corrected with a pair of spectacles, this condition is one of the leading causes of correctable distance visual impairment,⁴ and higher levels of myopia is associated with a risk of permanent vision impairment due to conditions such as chorioretinal abnormalities, glaucoma and cataract.^5,6