Myopia also known as near-sightedness is a condition in which close objects can be seen clearly but distant objects appear blurry.

Myopia can be caused by a combination of various factors. Genetics, performing close-up tasks such as reading or watching tv from up-close, using digital devices such as smart phones for too long, as well as insufficient outdoor time are all considered risk factors for myopia.⁴

In this growing digital age is myopia normal?

With increasing dependence on digital devices, myopia is rising around the world, making it one of the commonest disorders of the eyes affecting children of growing age.

A recent landmark publication has predicted that, by the year 2050 half of the world will be myopic or nearsighted.¹

Types of myopia:²

• Mild near-sightedness (generally less than 3 diopters of myopia) is also called low myopia.
• Moderate near-sightedness or myopia is 3 to 6 diopters of myopia.
• Severe near-sightedness (more than 6 diopters of myopia) is also called high myopia.
• Myopia progresses in children as the age increases and stabilizes around an age of 20 years.²

Along with a rise in the number of cases of myopia there is evidence of a rise in severity of myopia as well. In high myopia a visual acuity of a person is far worse than the threshold for blindness (–3/6 in the better eye). It is estimated that 9.8% of the global population will fall in this category of high myopia by the year 2050. ³The highest prevalence of myopia is observed in younger adults of urbanised East and Southeast Asian countries.³

Risk factors for myopia – According to recent studies, myopia risk increases in school children due to low outdoor time and near work, dim light exposure, use of LED lamps for homework, low sleeping hours, reading distance less than 25 cm and living in an urban environment.⁴

Complications of myopia - High myopia is associated with an increased risk of developing sight-threatening conditions such as myopic macular degeneration, retinoschisis (condition in which retina divides into two or more layers), posterior staphyloma (backward outpouching of the eye), glaucoma retinal detachment, and cataract.¹

A study conducted on school children aged 6 – 8 years in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic has found potential increase in myopia incidence, significant decrease in outdoor time and increase in screen time among schoolchildren. The results of the study are warning to eye care professionals, policy makers, educators and parents, that collective efforts are needed to prevent childhood myopia—a potential public health crisis as a result of COVID-19.⁵

Treatment for Myopia

People often have questions if myopia can be reduced or if the power of their eyeglasses can weaken over time.

While myopia can't be eliminated, its progression can be managed through suitable strategies. Myopia can be corrected with the help of eyeglasses. Concave lenses can help correct the refractive error in myopia and provide clear vision. Eye drops such as 0.01 % atropine are often prescribed by doctors to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children; however, they should only be used as per guidance. Other methods include using contact lenses or refractive surgeries.⁵

Myopia control is possible if myopia control strategies are adopted as soon as a child becomes myopic. Parents should also be encouraged to monitor the time their children spend on near devices and encourage time spent outdoors.¹

Myopia is already one of the major causes of vision impairment and blindness and is projected to affect almost half of the world's population. Urgent action is required to be taken from governments, NGOs and researchers. Policy makers must recognise the risk of increasing myopia and ensure availability of appropriate detection and treatment.

References:

1. Holden BA, Wilson DA, Jong M, Sankaridurg P, Fricke TR, Smith III EL, Resnikoff S. Myopia: a growing global problem with sight-threatening complications. Community eye health. 2015;28(90):35.
2. AOA.org [Internet]. American Optometric Association, Disease [ cited 2023 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness
3. Williams K, Hammond C. High myopia and its risks. Community eye health. 2019;32(105):5.
4. Mayoclinic.org [Internet]. Mayoclinic, Nearsightedness; [cited 2023 Nov 7]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375556
5. Gwiazda J. Treatment options for myopia. Optometry and vision science: official publication of the American Academy of Optometry. 2009 Jun;86(6):624.

FAQ Answers

Q1. What causes myopia?
Ans. Myopia can be caused by a combination of factors. Genetics, lots of close-up tasks, and insufficient outdoor time are all considered risk factors for myopia.⁶

Q2. Is myopia normal?
Ans. In this growing digital age is myopia normal? With increasing dependence on digital devices, myopia is rising around the world making it one of the commonest disorders of the eyes affecting children of growing age.

Q3. Can myopia be treated?
Ans. People often wonder if myopia can be reduced or if glasses can weaken over time. While myopia can't be eliminated, its progression can be managed through suitable strategies. Myopia can be corrected with the help of eyeglasses. Concave lenses can help correct the refractive error in myopia and provide clear vision. Eye drops such as atropine are often prescribed by doctors to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children; however, they should only be used as per guidance. Other methods include using contact lenses or refractive surgeries.

Q4. Which lens is used in myopia?
Ans. Concave lenses can help correct the refractive error in myopia and provide clear vision.

Q5. Is myopia caused by phones?
Ans. Genetics, performing close-up tasks such as reading or watching tv from up-close, using digital devices such as smart phones for too long, as well as insufficient outdoor time are all considered risk factors for myopia.

Q6. How can I reduce myopia?
Ans. People often wonder if myopia can be reduced or if glasses can weaken over time. While myopia can't be eliminated, its progression can be managed through suitable strategies.