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Global myopia: observations, risks and optical responses

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Myopia is experiencing unprecedented growth worldwide, driven by changing visual habits, sedentary lifestyles, and massive screen time , both professionally and personally ( gaming , smartphones, etc.). Long considered a simple refractive error, it is now emerging as a genuine public health issue. Between concerning scientific findings and major technological innovations, optics is at the heart of the prevention, monitoring, and management of myopia, particularly among younger generations.

Myopia: a global increase that is raising concerns in the optical industry

Myopia is currently one of the most dynamic visual disorders in terms of prevalence. According to a landmark study published in the journal Ophthalmology by the Brien Holden Vision Institute, nearly 4.8 billion people could be myopic by 2050 , representing approximately 50% of the world's population .

This increase is closely linked to changes in our lifestyles:

  • intensive use of screens (work, leisure, education),

  • reduction of time spent outdoors,

  • prolonged strain on close vision.

Studies show that a lack of exposure to natural light plays a key role in children and adolescents. Daylight promotes the secretion of retinal dopamine, a mechanism that limits the excessive elongation of the eye—a central factor in the development of myopia.

For the optical industry, this observation marks a change of scale: myopia is no longer marginal, it is becoming structural…

Myopia and associated risks: a public health issue

Beyond simple visual discomfort, myopia—especially when severe—exposes individuals to serious eye complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) and several learned societies warn of the increased risks of:

  • retinal detachment,

  • macular myopia,

  • glaucoma ,

  • Early cataract.

The increase in cases of high myopia (greater than -6 diopters) is particularly concerning in Asia, but Europe and North America are experiencing a comparable acceleration. According to the European Council of Optometry and Optics (ECOO) , myopia already represents a major challenge for vision prevention in European health policies. In this context, opticians are often among the first vision care professionals consulted. They play a central role in early detection, medical referral, and patient education, particularly for families.

Innovations and new strategies for managing myopia

Faced with this evolution, innovation is accelerating on several fronts, repositioning optics as a key sector of prevention.

Myopia-correcting lenses

Myopia control lenses (such as DIMS, HALT, or Stellest technologies) have demonstrated their effectiveness in several clinical studies, reducing myopia progression by up to 50 to 60% in children , depending on the protocols. They are now almost always recommended in stores, even though they require specific use that isn't always easy to implement for very young children.

Specific contact lenses

Peripheral defocus lenses or nocturnal orthokeratology are also emerging as complementary solutions, under strict monitoring, for certain patient profiles.

They are mainly indicated in children and adolescents with rapidly progressive myopia, particularly in cases of a family history of high myopia or when the progression exceeds −0.50 diopters per year.

These solutions can also be suitable for motivated young patients with good adherence and an involved family environment , as they require regular follow-up, rigorous hygiene and close coordination between optician, ophthalmologist and sometimes orthoptist.

Behavioral approaches and prevention

Innovation is not limited to products. Many medical recommendations emphasize:

  • at least 2 hours of outdoor activity per day for children ,

  • screen time management,

  • visual ergonomics and regular breaks.

These dimensions reinforce the optician's overall advisory role, at the crossroads of visual health, education and digital uses.

Myopia perfectly illustrates the current transformations in the optical sector: a rapidly growing condition with major medical, societal, and economic implications. Faced with this challenge, innovations—whether technological, clinical, or behavioral—offer concrete ways to slow its progression. More than ever, opticians are asserting themselves as strategic players in vision prevention, capable of anticipating, explaining, and providing long-term support to patients in a world where visual usage continues to intensify.

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