May 19–25 marked Myopia Awareness Week, a global initiative to shine a spotlight on one of the most pressing vision health issues today. The campaign aims to raise awareness about myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, its causes, impacts, and the importance of early detection and management.
Myopia occurs when distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. It affects approximately 30 per cent of the global population and is increasingly common among children. The condition can be easily identified during a routine eye examination, but many cases go unnoticed because children may not be able to communicate their vision difficulties.
"Myopia Awareness Week is a clear reminder that when we unite as an eyecare sector, our collective impact can be far greater," said Yvette Waddell, CEO of the Brien Holden Vision Institute. "Through continued collaboration, we are better positioned to address this escalating public health challenge. We need to spread the message that children who don’t spend enough time outdoors are at greater risk of developing myopia, which can progress to irreversible vision loss. While we don’t yet know everything about myopia, we know far too much to remain passive."
A combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the development of myopia. Children with one or both myopic parents are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Research also suggests that limited exposure to natural light and increased screen time can accelerate myopia progression.
While there is no cure, myopia can be managed effectively. Eye care professionals now offer personalized treatment plans that may include specially designed glasses, contact lenses, or medicated eye drops to help slow progression.
Experts recommend spending at least two hours outdoors daily, limiting screen time, and taking regular breaks from close-up activities as simple yet effective steps to help reduce the risk of developing myopia.