Myopia is the most common ocular disorder worldwide, and it is increasing alarmingly in prevalence - reaching epidemic levels in many countries. This is concerning because myopic individuals have an increased risk of developing retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and structural complications such as myopic maculopathy, which is associated with severe visual impairment.

The exact mechanism underlying the development and progression of myopia is not fully understood; it is thought that both genetic predisposition and environmental factors may play important roles. However, the recent increase in its prevalence cannot be explained by genetic factors, and it is widely accepted that environmental factors are responsible for this rise. Time spent outdoors is a well-studied environmental factor regarding the development and progression of myopia. Results from experimental animal models and epidemiological studies have suggested that the higher intensity light levels found outdoors may be the key factor.

More recently, the effect of different environments of luminance, defocus, light wavelengths and intensities on myopia onset and progression have drawn increasing interest. Several non-pharmacological therapies based on these findings have been developed in the last years, including low level red light therapy, peripheral defocus lenses and school programs to promote increased outdoor activities and direct sunlight exposure indoors. This Research Topic aims to deepen our understanding into the role of light in the process of emmetropization and prevention of myopia development and progression, as well as the identification of biomarkers that allow monitoring the potential effect of these therapies.

The Research Topic welcomes authors to submit Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Clinical Trials, Reviews, Systematic Reviews, Mini Reviews, and Meta-Analyses. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

   •   Molecular mechanisms to explain the role of light in the emmetropization process;
   •   Influence of luminance, defocus, light wavelengths and intensities on refractive development, including animal models and clinical studies;
   •   Effect of different light wavelengths on myopia onset and progression;
   •   Evaluation of biomarkers to measure changes after light therapies (choroidal and scleral changes, lens thickness and axial length, among others);
   •   Epidemiological investigation of myopia's development - the key role of sunlight exposure;
   •   Evaluation of biomarkers to measure sunlight exposure (conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence and vitamin D levels, among others).

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

The Role of Light in Myopia