myopia
awareness

This section is dedicated to equipping eye care practitioners (ECPs) with critical knowledge 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.

Part 1

Overview of Myopia

Reframing Myopia

Myopia is not just a refractive error, but a chronic, progressive condition primarily characterized by excessive elongation of the eye. This elongation causes light to focus incorrectly in front of the retina, resulting in blurry distance vision. Recognizing myopia as more than a lens prescription is crucial for effective management.

The Global Myopia Crisis

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. 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 -6.00D, is particularly associated with severe risks such as myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. It is important to note that any level of myopia elevates these risks, highlighting the need for early and effective management.

For essential information on myopia and its implications, download our Myopia Awareness Brochure.

This brochure emphasizes the importance of early screening and management, helping practitioners and patients understand the broader impact of myopia.

Featured Myopia Awareness Resources

Enhance your practice with expertly crafted brochures, emails, and postcards for effective myopia education.