Modern myopia management among minors

Myopia is on the rise on a global scale, notably among children at a younger age, and with the increased associated risk of sight-threatening pathologies, it’s no wonder the profession is exploring the most effective ways to manage the condition and slow its progression.

Myopia is considered to have reached epidemic levels in many countries. Some 28% of the world’s population is currently myopic, according to latest statistics,¹ and without proper management, this figure could reach a staggering 50% by 2050, representing five billion people.

While the prevalence of myopia is greater in Asia in general, a relatively high prevalence has also been reported in Western countries. One study reported an eightfold increase in the number of high myopes in the United States² over the past 35 years. It showed that the myopia prevalence for people aged 12 to 54 years increased from 25% in 1971-72 to 41.6% in 1999-2004.