Table of Contents
Importance of Early Myopia Treatment in Children
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, has reached epidemic proportions globally, particularly among children. The increase in myopia prevalence is alarming, with projections indicating that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population may be affected (He et al., 2025). Early intervention is crucial, as untreated myopia can lead to severe visual impairments and associated ocular conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment (Tham et al., 2014). Research shows that children with early-onset myopia are at significantly higher risk for developing high myopia (defined as a spherical equivalent of -6.00 diopters or more) later in life (Wolffsohn, 2025).
Early myopia control strategies can include various interventions such as orthokeratology, contact lenses designed to slow progression, and atropine eye drops. These methods aim to reduce the rate of myopia progression by addressing factors such as axial elongation of the eye, which is a primary contributor to the worsening of myopia (Quigley, 1999). Implementing these treatments can improve long-term visual outcomes and potentially reduce the economic burden associated with myopia-related complications (Bullimore et al., 2021).
Identifying High-Risk Children for Myopia Progression
Not all children with myopia are at the same risk of developing high myopia. Identifying high-risk children is essential for targeted prevention strategies. Factors that significantly increase the risk of myopia progression include parental myopia, early onset of myopia, excessive near work, and limited outdoor activity (Mutti et al., 2022).
Recent advancements in predictive models utilize machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence to evaluate various parameters, such as axial length and refractive error, to identify children at high risk for progression (Foo et al., 2023). These models can help clinicians determine which children would benefit most from myopia control interventions, thereby allowing for more effective allocation of resources and tailored treatment plans.
Table 1: Risk Factors for Myopia Progression
| Risk Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Parental Myopia | Children with myopic parents are at higher risk. |
| Early Onset | Myopia onset before age 10 increases risk. |
| Near Work | Increased time spent on close-up tasks can worsen myopia. |
| Outdoor Activity | Less time outdoors is linked to higher progression rates. |
Long-Term Economic Benefits of Myopia Management
The economic implications of myopia are significant, encompassing both direct healthcare costs and indirect costs related to lost productivity and reduced quality of life. A study conducted in Singapore estimated the lifetime cost of managing myopia to be approximately US$17,000 per person (Zheng et al., 2023). This figure highlights the necessity of early intervention strategies, which can mitigate the long-term costs associated with advanced myopia and its complications.
Investing in myopia control interventions not only benefits individual patients but can positively impact public health systems by reducing the prevalence of severe myopia-related conditions that require costly treatments (He et al., 2025). Proactive management of myopia can lead to improved educational outcomes for children, as better visual acuity is associated with enhanced academic performance and social interactions (Bullimore et al., 2021).
The Role of Genetic Factors in Myopia Development
Genetic predisposition plays a pivotal role in myopia development, with several genetic loci identified that are associated with myopia risk (Wiggs & Pasquale, 2017). A meta-analysis revealed specific variants linked to high myopia, underscoring the need for genetic counseling in families with a history of myopia (Huang et al., 2023).
Understanding the genetic basis of myopia can facilitate early identification of at-risk children, enabling timely intervention. Advances in genomic research have opened avenues for personalized approaches in myopia management, where genetic screening can inform the selection of the most effective treatment strategies for individual patients (Murati Calderon et al., 2025).
Table 2: Genetic Factors Associated with Myopia
| Gene | Associated Risk |
|---|---|
| MYOC | High myopia |
| RPE65 | Retinal degeneration |
| LRPAP1 | Myopia risk factor |
Advancements in Myopia Control Techniques and Technologies
Recent years have seen significant advancements in myopia control technologies. Orthokeratology lenses, which reshape the cornea overnight, have gained popularity for their effectiveness in slowing myopia progression (Wolffsohn, 2025). Multi-focal contact lenses and spectacles have also been developed to create a defocus effect on the retina, which has been shown to reduce myopia progression in children (He et al., 2025).
Additionally, pharmacological interventions such as low-dose atropine eye drops are becoming widely accepted. Studies have shown that atropine can effectively slow myopia progression with minimal side effects, making it a viable option for many children (Chia et al., 2015).
Digital health technologies, including smartphone applications and online platforms for monitoring children’s vision and promoting outdoor activities, are also emerging as supportive tools in myopia management (Guan et al., 2023). These applications can enhance adherence to prescribed interventions and educate families about lifestyle modifications that can help mitigate myopia progression.
Table 3: Current Myopia Control Techniques
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Orthokeratology | Overnight corneal reshaping lenses. |
| Multi-focal Contact Lenses | Lenses that create defocus to slow progression. |
| Atropine Eye Drops | Pharmacological intervention to reduce progression. |
| Digital Health Technologies | Applications for monitoring and lifestyle education. |
Conclusion
Given the rising prevalence of myopia and its potential long-term consequences, it is imperative to consider effective myopia control strategies for all children. Early identification of high-risk individuals combined with innovative interventions can lead to significant improvements in visual health and quality of life. As research continues to evolve, integrating genetic insights and advanced technologies into clinical practice will be key to addressing this public health challenge.
FAQ
What is myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly.
Why is early treatment for myopia important?
Early treatment can slow down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of developing severe complications such as high myopia, which can lead to vision loss.
What are some effective myopia control strategies?
Effective strategies include the use of orthokeratology lenses, multi-focal contact lenses, low-dose atropine, and encouraging outdoor activities.
How can genetic factors influence myopia?
Genetic predispositions can significantly affect an individual’s risk of developing myopia, with certain gene variants linked to higher risks of progression.
Are there any new technologies for managing myopia?
Yes, advancements include digital health tools for monitoring vision and encouraging healthy habits, as well as new lens designs that help control myopia progression.
References
- He, X., Logan, N. S., & Wolffsohn, J. S. (2025). The case for treating all children with myopia control interventions. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt
- Tham, Y.-C., Li, X., Wong, T. Y., Quigley, H. A., & Aung, T. (2014). Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections of glaucoma prevalence by 2040: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ophthalmology, 121(11), 2081-2090. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2014.05.013
- Bullimore, M. A., Brennan, N. A., & Flitcroft, I. (2021). The risks and benefits of myopia control. Ophthalmology, 128(9), 1561-1579. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2021.04.032
- Wiggs, J. L., & Pasquale, L. R. (2017). Genetics of glaucoma. Human Molecular Genetics, 26(R1), R29-R36
- Huang, Y., Wu, L., & Wu, X. (2023). Genetic risk factors for myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nature Reviews Genetics, 24(5), 327-344
- Foo, L. L., Lim, G. Y. S., Lanca, C., Wong, C. W., Hoang, Q. V., Zhang, X. J., & et al. (2023). Deep learning system to predict the 5-year risk of high myopia using fundus imaging in children. NPJ Digital Medicine, 6, 10. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-023-00752-8
- Murati Calderon, R. A., & et al. (2025). A New Phenotypic Expression in a Patient With a Mutation in the CACNA1F Gene. Cureus, 12(3), e82577. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.82577
- Quigley, H. A. (1999). Neuronal death in glaucoma. Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, 18(1), 39-57 98)00005-0
- Zheng, Y. F., Pan, C. W., Chay, J., Wong, T. Y., Finkelstein, E., & Saw, S. M. (2023). The economic cost of myopia in adults aged over 40 years in Singapore. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 54(8), 7532-7537
