Myopia: A Growing Public Health Concern That Demands Early Action

Myopia has become a buzzword in public health – and for good reason. It is one of the fastest-growing public health challenges of the 21^st century. The World Health Organization predicts that by 2050 one in two people will have myopia, with nearly one in ten at risk of developing high myopia and its potentially blinding complications.

This projection is alarming and calls for urgent action from the eye health sector and leading organizations like IAPB to make myopia prevention, early intervention, and treatment accessible and affordable for all who need it. This is especially important, as we undertake the journey towards the Global Summit on Eye Health 2026.

The progression of myopia is both predictable and modifiable. Prevention and early intervention – such as increasing time spent outdoors, reducing excessive near-work activities, and providing timely optical or pharmaceutical treatments – can significantly delay the onset and slow the progression of myopia in children. Without these measures, millions of children risk developing severe complications from high myopia, including irreversible blindness.

The benefits of early intervention go far beyond protecting sight. They also support academic achievement, boost work productivity, improve road safety, promote gender equity, and support mental health and wellbeing.

Global initiatives like MyopiaEd, which empowers parents, teachers, and healthcare providers with practical advice to slow myopia progression through simple behavioural changes, and SPECS 2030, a World Health Organization initiative focused on making refractive error services accessible and affordable, must be translated into national action to achieve meaningful impact. Countries like Singapore and China have demonstrated success through national myopia control policies, including mandatory vision screenings and requirements for outdoor activity in schools.

IAPB prioritizes advocacy for early intervention in myopia and remains committed to working with partners and stakeholders to advance this agenda globally. Myopia is a preventable public health crisis – but only if we act early. By championing early interventions, we can help safeguard the sight of millions worldwide.

The IAPB looks forward to welcoming experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to the upcoming roundtable on early intervention in myopia in Kathmandu at 2030 IN SIGHT LIVE from 29 April to 1 May, 2025. This is an especially meaningful gathering in my home country of Nepal, and a critical step towards collective action and shared solutions.

Photo credit: Arati Banset