An introduction to myopia

Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, is predicted to affect almost half the world's population by 2050. Myopia can have several negative associations, including a detrimental impact on quality of life, increased risk of ocular pathology, and other socioeconomic effects. Myopia is irreversible and lifelong; it typically progresses during childhood and the teenage years before stabilising. Some of the risk factors for myopia are modifiable, and it may be possible to identify children at risk of developing myopia before its onset. Once onset occurs, myopia management solutions (e.g. specialised lenses) are available to help slow down its progression. Healthcare practitioners can, therefore, play a key role in identifying children likely to develop myopia, encouraging lifestyle changes, and through raising awareness of myopia management strategies.