Epidemiological Status of Myopia: A Global Public Health Challenge

Myopia has emerged as a critical global public health challenge in the 21st century, with its prevalence escalating and exhibiting significant regional heterogeneity. By 2050, it is projected to affect half of the world's population. Pathological complications of high myopiasuch as retinal detachment and choroidal neovascularizationsubstantially increase the risk of blindness, exacerbating socioeconomic burdens. The development of myopia results from complex interactions among genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 200 associated genetic loci, while environmental driversincluding digital lifestyles, intensive education, and insufficient outdoor activityhave fueled a dramatic surge in myopia prevalence over the past three decades. Current interventions, such as low-concentration atropine eye drops, orthokeratology lenses, and outdoor light exposure, partially slow progression but face limitations like poor adherence and rebound effects. Emerging technologies like VR show promise in simulating defocus states and regulating axial elongation, though their safety and efficacy require further validation. Moreover, large-scale epidemiological surveys have demonstrated that the burden of myopia extends beyond ophthalmology, significantly impacting education systems, workforce readiness, and national healthcare expenditures. For instance, the United States spends approximately 7.5 billion USD annually on direct medical costs related to myopia, while in several Asian countries, corrective interventions for school-aged children account for 1218% of household healthcare expenditure. Future strategies must integrate multimodal approaches, leveraging artificial intelligence, biometric monitoring, and personalized interventions to establish a comprehensive system for scientific prevention, precise correction, and dynamic monitoring. This is essential to counter the trends of early-onset and high myopia in youth and ultimately achieve universal vision health.