Paediatric Myopia in Pakistan and its Readiness for Control–A Narrative Review

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v42i3.2407

Abstract

This narrative review was conducted to provide evidence on paediatric myopia in Pakistan, and its risk factors, and readiness for myopia control. A search was conducted using PubMed and PakMediNet with terms that combined “Pakistan” with “myopia,” “refractive error,” “school screening,” “atropine,” “orthokeratology,” and “myopia control.” The studies indicate a substantial burden, including a 54% prevalence among adolescents in Karachi. Reported risk factors include increased near work, poor sleep quality, parental myopia, screen exposure, and reduced outdoor activity. Pakistan’s readiness for myopia control is limited due to the training gaps, inadequate monitoring, inconsistence practice, and cost barriers. Effective myopia control in Pakistan needs a multifaceted approach. Expanding prevention and detection capabilities and then a national effort on legislation and guidance, funding, work force training, and access to interventions.