Are you able to see close objects clearly but struggle to see them from far away? If so, you may have myopia, also known as nearsightedness. Over the last 50 years, myopia has increased significantly. It is expected that by 2050, nearly half of the global population will have this condition. 

While prescription glasses or contacts may treat myopia, experts are concerned and perplexed by the growing rates, and they worry about how it may affect long-term vision. Learn what was discussed during a Congressional briefing led by the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research.* 

What Is Causing the Increase in Myopia?

Some experts hypothesized that the use of electronic screens is leading to myopia. However, Katherine Lee, M.D, Ph.D., a pediatric ophthalmologist at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital in Idaho, noted that myopia trends started before electronic devices dominated everyday life. 

“Use of small electronic devices are a contributing factor, though the science has not caught up with that,” Lee said. “We have not determined that those devices, per se, in and of themselves are significant in causing an increase in nearsightedness.”

What Are the Consequences of the Current Myopia Trends?

According to Lee, nearsightedness can affect the retina and potentially lead to: 

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Early cataracts
• Myopic maculopathy 

On top of the health implications, studies estimate that the global impact of uncorrected myopia will result in a $244 billion annual productivity loss, while blindness from myopic degeneration results in $6 billion of lost productivity per year. 

What Are the Ways to Treat or Slow the Progression of Myopia?

Nearsightedness often occurs in childhood, when it can be hard to break habits that can lead to it. Spending more time outdoors, however, and taking breaks from screens can slow the progression.

Pharmacological treatment options are also available:

• At a low dose, atropine drops can slow the progression of myopia by 50% and are noted to have few side effects. 
• Special contact lenses worn at night are designed to give the cells a better image to help control the growth of the eye and slow the progression of myopia. 

At your next visit with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, consider asking what options are best for you to prevent or slow the progression of your myopia. 

*Hutton, D. (2021, October 22). Vision groups sound alarm about myopia during congressional briefing. Ophthalmology Times. https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/vision-groups-sound-alarm-about-myopia-during-congressional-briefing