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The scientific community is shifting its perspective on myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. What was once primarily viewed as a refractive error is now being recognized as a disease, a change that carries significant implications for public health and individual well-being.
The U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS) has recently redefined myopia, aligning with growing scientific understanding that high myopia can lead to serious pathological changes in the eye. This shift echoes the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2019 designation of myopia as a major risk factor for preventable blindness, based on research demonstrating that even mild myopia increases the risk of ocular pathology, with the risk rising proportionally with the severity of the condition.
At the heart of the issue is the physical change myopia induces in the eye: elongation beyond the typical 24 millimeters. This stretching puts stress on the retina and other ocular structures, increasing the risk of tears, breaks, glaucoma, cataracts, and, most critically, myopic maculopathy. Myopic maculopathy, particularly when the eye’s axial length exceeds 26 millimeters, can cause irreversible vision loss and even legal blindness.
The rising prevalence of myopia, projected to affect 50% of the global population by 2050, underscores the urgency of addressing this condition. Fortunately, effective interventions exist, including specialized glasses and contact lenses that induce peripheral defocus, and low-dose atropine medication, which can slow myopia progression.
“Each degree of myopia (diopter) that is prevented reduces the risk of myopic maculopathy by 40 percent,” states experts, highlighting the profound impact of early intervention. This translates to substantial reductions in healthcare costs and improved quality of life.
The reclassification of myopia as a disease has spurred calls for action from various stakeholders. The World Council of Optometry has advocated for myopia control to become a standard of practice, while the World Society of Pediatric Ophthalmologists encourages the use of effective interventions. Governments are also being urged to take a proactive role.
Canada’s National Strategy on Eye Care Act, for example, emphasizes the need for prevention and treatment of eye diseases. Experts are calling for governments to expand coverage for children’s eye examinations and subsidize the costs of specialized anti-myopia optical devices and medications, recognizing that these interventions, while more expensive than standard corrections, can prevent severe vision impairment.
The recognition of myopia as a public health issue also highlights its role as a vector of social inequality. Children from less privileged backgrounds, who may lack access to these specialized treatments, face a higher risk of vision impairment, impacting their educational and employment prospects.
As myopia continues to surge, the need for comprehensive public health strategies and accessible interventions has never been more critical.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.1 The information presented here is for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute a substitute for professional medical advice.
