EDITORIAL: MYOPIA IN CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE

Claudia Carolina Cruz-Gálvez^1*Juan Carlos Ordaz-Favila²Vanessa Bosch-Canto²

• ¹Physiology Department, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
• ²Pediatric Ophthalmology, Instituto Nacional de Pediatria, Mexico City, Mexico

Correction refers to devices and interventions that correct the optical focusing errors of myopia to optimize best corrected distance visual acuity, without providing any intended benefits in relation to slowing myopia progression or axial elongation.Recent epidemiological studies reveal a staggering increase in myopia worldwide. In East Asian countries, the prevalence of myopia among young adults has reached upwards of 80%, with severe cases manifesting in forms that may induce debilitating complications such as retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, and glaucoma.The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified myopia and its associated complications as concerning public health threats, particularly as they can lead to significant visual impairment in young adults and have financial and health implications.The surge in myopia prevalence can be attributed to a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors:1. Genetic Predisposition: Family history has long been recognized as a risk factor for myopia. Children with myopic parents are at a significantly higher risk of developing the condition themselves. A pivotal shift towards more indoor activities has been observed, particularly in urban settings. Prolonged screen time associated with academic engagement and leisure activities limits exposure to natural sunlight, which plays a protective role in ocular health. Aberrometry has significant implications in myopia management. Mohaghegh et al. investigate associations between refractive error components and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) in adult myopic subjects. They observe that total RMS wave-front error increases with increasing myopia and astigmatism, and that the increasing myopia power does not show a systematic correlation with HOAs components. The implications of rising myopia prevalence extend beyond mere visual impairment. Myopia-related complications present a looming threat to global health systems, resulting in increased healthcare expenditures, loss of productivity, and diminished quality of life for affected individuals. Furthermore, as populations age, the burden of myopia and its sequelae is projected to exacerbate, necessitating urgent attention from policymakers and public health officials. It is imperative to understand this epidemic and start doing something to control it. The rising tide of myopia presents a pressing challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. As a global community, we must prioritize research, education, patient empowerment, bioethics in professionals related to visual health, and policy changes that address both the modifiable risk factors and the underlying causes of myopia. By doing so, we can work towards mitigating this public health crisis that is coming in the next years and improving visual health outcomes for future generations. Through collaboration among governments, national health systems, ophthalmologists, optometrists, researchers, practitioners, educators, and families, we can equip ourselves to tackle the complexities of myopia and safeguard the vision of millions worldwide.