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Myopia
Awareness
The Myopia Awareness section equips eye care practitioners (ECPs) with critical knowledge and resources about the escalating myopia epidemic. The goal is to:
- Educate practitioners on the nature and progression of myopia, its impact on eye health, and the critical importance of early detection and intervention.
- Raise awareness about the global myopia crisis and the urgent need for proactive management to prevent severe visual complications.
- Provide resources to help practitioners communicate effectively with patients and their families, fostering a collaborative approach to myopia management and promoting early intervention strategies.
Overview of Myopia
Myopia should be understood not merely as a refractive error but as a chronic, progressive disease primarily characterized by the abnormal elongation of the eye. This elongation causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision. While myopia can arise from a combination of factors, studies consistently show that axial elongation is the most significant factor associated with the development and progression of the disease.¹ This highlights the importance of recognizing myopia as more than a lens prescription but as a condition requiring comprehensive management.
Types of Myopia
Axial Myopia
This form of myopia is the most common and is predominantly driven by excessive elongation, in which the optical axis progressively grows and becomes too long relative to the eye’s refractive power.¹
Refractive Myopia
This type of myopia results from increases in the eye’s optical power, typically due to shifts in the shape or position of the cornea and lens (e.g. an excessively curved cornea). Refractive myopia can occur alongside axial myopia, contributing to the overall degree of myopia measured. ¹
Understanding these classifications of myopia and the central role of axial elongation is crucial for effective monitoring and management strategies.
For essential information on myopia and its implications, download our Myopia Awareness Brochure.
The myopia epidemic is growing rapidly. By 2050, it is estimated that up to 5 billion people—approximately half of the world’s population—will be affected. Currently, about 30% of the global population suffers from myopia.² This escalating trend highlights the need for effective management strategies.
To grasp the magnitude of this crisis and the need for urgent intervention, refer to our Myopia Management 101: A Parent’s Guide for Taking Control of Myopia. This guide helps communicate the importance of early management to patients and their families.
Impact on Eye Health – The Correlation Between Myopia Progression and Axial Length Changes
Progressive myopia is closely linked to increases in axial length, which refers to the elongation of the eye’s structure. As the eye stretches and lengthens, the severity of myopia worsens, and the risk of developing serious visual complications rises. High myopia, characterized by a refractive error greater than -6.00 D, is particularly associated with severe risks such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and posterior subcapsular cataracts.¹ However, it is important to note that any level of myopia elevates these risks, highlighting the need for early and effective management.³ An individual with -2.00 D of myopia faces a threefold increased risk of retinal detachment and double the risk of glaucoma compared to an emmetrope (See Table 1).
Table 1. Odds ratios of increased risk of ocular pathology with increasing levels of myopia, relative to emmetropia⁴⁻⁸
| Degree of Myopia (in diopters) | Myopic Maculopathy | Retinal Detachment | Glaucoma | Cataracts (PSC) |
| -2.00 D | 2x | 3x | 2x | 2x |
| -4.00 D | 10x | 9x | 3x | 3x |
| -6.00 D | 41x | 22x | 3x | 5x |
Understanding the relationship between axial length changes and the impact on ocular health is vital for effective management. For a detailed explanation of why measuring axial length is critical, download the Axial Length Advantage Guide. This resource outlines the importance of tracking axial length to monitor and manage myopia progression effectively.
Call to Action
Educating Patients
ECPs play a vital role in raising awareness about myopia and its management. Educating patients and their families about the importance of early intervention can help slow myopia progression, reduce reliance on corrective lenses, decrease the risk of future vision impairment, and improve overall quality of life.²
Impact on Future Generations
Addressing the myopia epidemic not only benefits current patients but also has a positive impact on future generations by tackling the broader public health implications of rising myopia rates. By managing myopia proactively, we can alleviate the long-term healthcare costs associated with advanced myopia and its complications. This approach reduces the future burden on healthcare systems and diminishes the economic strain on families and societies, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.²
Featured Myopia Awareness Resources
Enhance your practice with expertly crafted brochures, emails, and postcards for effective myopia education.
Myopia Awareness Brochure
Provides essential information about myopia and encourages parents to schedule a myopia screening for their children, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management.
Myopia Management 101: A Parent’s Guide for Taking Control of Myopia
Coming soon!
5 Reasons Why Measuring Axial Length is Key to Understanding Myopia Progression
An informative resource explaining the importance of axial length measurement in monitoring and managing myopia progression.
Myopia Minute Video Archive
Coming soon!
Access your FREE Myopia Management Guide
A comprehensive protocol to build, manage and grow your myopia practice.
- Practical strategies to implement myopia management
- Promote early interventation and mitigating risks
- Utilize the insights from clinical trials and research
Explore Myopia Awareness Resources
Explore these resources to deepen your understanding of myopia, improve patient communication, and address the global myopia crisis effectively. For further support and information, visit the Clinical Management and Practice Management sections. Together, let’s tackle the myopia epidemic and work towards better eye health for all.
- Myopia Awareness
- Myopia Awareness
References
1. Flitcroft DI, He M, Jonas JB, et al. IMI – Defining and Classifying Myopia: A Proposed Set of Standards for Clinical and Epidemiologic Studies. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2019;60(3):M20. doi:10.1167/iovs.18-25957
2. Sankaridurg P, Tahhan N, Kandel H, et al. IMI Impact of Myopia. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2021;62(5):2. doi:10.1167/iovs.62.5.2
3. Haarman AEG, Enthoven CA, Tideman JWL, Tedja MS, Verhoeven VJM, Klaver CCW. The Complications of Myopia: A Review and Meta-Analysis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2020;61(4):49. doi:10.1167/iovs.61.4.49
4. Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.06.004
5. Vongphanit J, Mitchell P, Wang JJ. Prevalence and progression of myopic retinopathy in an older population. Ophthalmology. 2002;109(4):704-711. doi:10.1016/s0161-6420(01)01024-7
6. Ogawa A, Tanaka M. The relationship between refractive errors and retinal detachment–analysis of 1,166 retinal detachment cases. Jpn J Ophthalmol. 1988;32(3):310-315.
7. Chang MA, Congdon NG, Munoz B, West SK. The Association Between Myopia and Various Sub–Types of Lens Opacity: SEE Project. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. 2005;46(13):3838-3838.
8. Marcus MW, de Vries MM, Junoy Montolio FG, Jansonius NM. Myopia as a risk factor for open-angle glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology. 2011;118(10):1989-1994.e2. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2011.03.012
