The Myopia Epidemic: Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and a Call for National Action

Doi: 10.36351/pjo.v42i3.2506

Abstract

Myopia has emerged as a global epidemic, which has affected populations worldwide and is believed to be driven largely by contemporary environmental factors. Pathological mechanisms include axial elongation of the globe caused by hyperopic and myopic defocus signals along with triggering retinal neuromodulators. Key environmental factors include reduced outdoor activities in children, excessive burden  of near work with superadded extended screen time. Recentevidenceshows that interventions like low-dose atropine and optical strategies using peripheral myopic defocus can reduce myopia progression. There are other modalities including repeated low-level red-light therapy which offersan additional promise. This editorial is focused on an integrated and evidence-based management framework for myopia control and advocates urgentpublic health strategies on national level. School-based screening programs are the frontline strategies to address the growing burden of myopia.