Dr Mahipal Singh Sachdev
On the occasion of National Myopia Week, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, highlighted the rising burden of Myopia, which has become one of the fastest-growing global eye-health challenges, affecting an increasing number of children and young adults. Over the past few decades, its prevalence has risen sharply—driven by lifestyle factors such as prolonged screen exposure, reduced outdoor time, intense near-work demands and academic pressures, myopia is being detected at younger ages and progressing more rapidly than ever before.
Eye-care experts around the world are sounding the alarm about the rapid rise in myopia and emphasize that the real threat lies not in mild myopia, which can be corrected easily with glasses, but in high myopia, which significantly increases the risk of sight threatening complications like retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, early cataract formation, glaucoma, & Irreversible vision loss later in life
Globally, myopia has become a public health challenge, with projections indicating that by 2050 nearly 50% of the world’s population will be myopic. What makes this trend especially concerning is the early onset of myopia in children, which significantly increases the risk of high myopia later in life, which is associated with sight threatening complications.
India is witnessing a parallel rise, especially among school children. According to recent national estimates, almost one in three children may develop myopia if preventive measures are not implemented early. The window for controlling its progression is narrow, making timely screening, regular eye check-ups, and mindful lifestyle planning essential.”
Myopia is no longer just a simple refractive error but a condition that needs structured monitoring. Children spending excessive time on digital devices, studying indoors for long hours, or lacking outdoor activities are at high risk. Even mild symptoms like frequent blinking, squinting, headaches, or difficulty seeing the board at school—should prompt an immediate eye examination. Regular screening every six months for children and annual check-ups for adults can make a significant difference in managing the condition effectively.
Given these risks, early screening has become more critical than ever. School-based vision programs, portable screening technologies, and digital autorefractors are making detection more accessible. Identifying myopia early allows clinicians to initiate interventions during a child’s most rapid eye-growth years, when treatments are most effective.
The good news is that modern ophthalmology now offers several advanced and clinically proven methods to slow or control myopia progression. Current management of myopia focuses not only on correcting vision but also on slowing eye elongation—the underlying cause of progression. Innovations over the past decade have expanded the range of evidence-based options such as atropine therapy, specialised myopia-control spectacles, orthokeratology lenses, peripheral-defocus contact lenses, and lifestyle interventions like increasing outdoor time has emerged as one of the most powerful, low-cost interventions. Studies consistently show that 90–120 minutes of natural light exposure per day can significantly reduce the onset of myopia. Limiting prolonged near-work, encouraging balanced visual habits, and improving classroom lighting also contribute meaningfully to prevention.
For adults with stable myopia, procedures like ReLEx SMILE, Femto-LASIK, and advanced ICL technologies provide safe and effective long-term correction. These advancements allow personalised treatment planning depending on age, severity, progression rate, and eye health stability. The earlier myopia management begins, the greater the chance of preserving long-term vision quality.”
Myopia has emerged as a silent but significant eye-health concern, especially among our younger population. What makes it challenging is that it progresses quietly and is often ignored until it affects day to day activities.
Early detection can completely change the outcome—because today we have scientific, globally approved myopia-control solutions that can slow progression and protect long-term vision. Parents, educators, and caregivers must recognise that timely check-ups and lifestyle corrections are not optional; they are the strongest defence we have in preventing future vision impairment.
While the rise in myopia presents a significant challenge, modern treatments and early screening provide powerful tools to combat it. With timely detection, evidence-based interventions, and supportive lifestyle changes, the trajectory of childhood myopia can be meaningfully altered. Today, children facing the risk of myopia have more options—and more hope—than ever before. However, advances in early screening and modern treatment strategies are now offering new optimism for slowing or even preventing its progression.,
This National Myopia Week serves as a reminder that eye health must be prioritised as part of overall well-being. With awareness, preventive care, and access to advanced treatment options, India can successfully reduce the long-term burden of myopia and safeguard the vision of future generations.
(The author is Chairman & Managing Director, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals and can be reached at [email protected])
