Introduction
Myopia has been a significant health problem. It has been a burden on the healthcare system, the economy, and the quality of life. It is emerging as a public health challenge that requires proper intervention to delay and stop its onset and progression. With a change in time and evidence, the concept of myopia treatment and control strategies are also changing. Other modifications like increased outdoor time, reduced near work, optical and pharmaceutical management are also being reviewed. Halting the onset and progression of myopia remains a major therapeutic goal. Still, a global effort is underway to find the most effective method to treat this condition.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia is an error in focusing visually; it makes distant objects blurred and poses a serious threat of vision-threatening ocular complications, which might result in irreversible loss of vision later in life. It contributes to visual morbidity. It has gained priority in the global initiative to eliminate avoidable blindness. It has become a socio-economic problem and a major public health issue. It holds a disproportionate burden on the urban Asia regions. It is very important to understand the risk factors for myopia to prepare appropriate treatment plans and strategies.
How Prevalent Is Myopia Globally?
The prevalence of myopia varies globally. The developed countries, particularly East asian is most affected. A similar trend has also been observed in other countries, but the intensity is less. Australia, Europe, North and South America have a relatively lower incidence. In the white population, the prevalence of high myopia is estimated between two to five percent and about five to ten percent amongst the Asian population. Evidence has suggested that globally, 22.9 percent of the population suffers from myopia. The statistics have suggested an alarming increase in its incidence globally in the past few years, rendering it a burden to public health.
How Is Myopia Classified?
Myopia is classified based on various factors like degree, anatomical features, inheritance, the age of onset, rate of progression, pathological presence, and the theory of myopia development. On the progression rate, myopia has been classified as stationary, temporarily progressive, and permanently progressive. The stationary myopia does not progress, and it is usually of a low degree. Temporary myopia might progress to the late 20s, following which its progression will reduce to zero. The permanently progressive myopia ascends rapidly and then progresses slowly. The progressive variety is associated with slightly threatening condition for the eyes. Myopia has also been classified anatomically by Borish; depending on the degree, it has been classified as low, medium, and high.
What Are the Associated Risk Factors for Developing Myopia?
The risk factors associated with myopia continue to evolve and are as follows:
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Age: Only a very small number of infants are myopic at birth. Most of this type of myopia is associated with prematurity. There is a low prevalence rate among babies and toddlers, even post-formal schooling. The onset is seen at ages six to eight, and this group's progression rate is faster.
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Gender: The gender-wise prediction is conflicting. It must be confounded by age.
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Race: There is an increased predominance amongst the Asian population compared to the non-Asian group.
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Heredity: The form of inheritance is recessive, dominant, and X-linked.
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Environmental Factors: Extensive near-working during childhood may cause abnormal eye growth and progression of myopia.
Why Is Myopia Control Important on a Global Scale?
The control of myopia is important on a global scale due to:
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Rising Prevalence: Globally, the prevalence of myopia is increasing, especially in urbanized and highly developed areas.
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Health Risks of High Myopia: It is associated with increased eye complications, which could be retinal detachments. cataracts and glaucoma.
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Economic Burden: This is associated with treating and managing myopia, including costs related to medical management, vision corrections, and productivity losses associated with vision corrections.
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Quality of Life Impact: Reduced quality of life is noted due to poor vision.
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Impact on Education: Myopia affects educational performance and learning outcomes.
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Lifestyle Changes: This may lead to progression to myopia with habits like limited outdoor activity and increased screen time.
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Globalization and Urbanization: This is linked to increased incidence of myopia.
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Long-Term Vision Health: The control interventions slow down the progression of myopia.
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Public Health Impact: Implementing myopia control measures can impact public health positively.
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Global Collaboration and Research: A collaborative effort is required in research, education, and interventional strategies.
How Can Public Health Initiatives Promote Myopia Control?
Public health helps raise awareness, educate communities, and implement strategies to address the increasing prevalence of myopia. There are several ways by which public health strategies can promote control of myopia, such as:
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Public Awareness Campaigns: To educate the population, parents, and caregivers about the importance of myopia control and its impact on eye health.
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School-Based Programs: Collaborate with educational institutions to incorporate myopia control strategies.
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Health Education in Communities: To inform the communities about myopia, risk factors, and available methods to control myopia.
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Training Healthcare Professionals: To create awareness and knowledge about myopia control measures.
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Policy Advocacy: To support the myopia control measures. Providing screen time limits, guidelines for outdoor activities, and integrating myopia control strategies into existing public health and public health initiatives.
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Community Engagement: Through seminars, workshops, and informational sessions to address cultural perceptions, beliefs, and practices related to eye health and myopia.
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Accessible Eye Care Services: For assessment and intervention of eye care.Making it accessible and affordable.
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Integration With Primary Care: Integrate myopia control measures into routine primary care services.
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Use of Technology: Mobile apps, websites, and social media platforms.
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Research and Surveillance: To understand the risk and prevalence of myopia.
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Collaboration With Schools and Parents: To implement a myopia-friendly environment.Involving parents to understand the importance of outdoor activities and reducing the screen time for their children.
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Global Collaboration: To share knowledge, best practices, and resources for effective global myopia control measures.
Conclusion:
The public health initiatives need to be comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and adaptable to the specific needs of the communities. Addressing myopia control at the population level can contribute to better eye care outcomes on a much larger scale. Public health is pivotal in creating awareness, educating communities, and implementing evidence-based interventions. A broader public health framework can help address various contributing factors to the myopia epidemic. Furthermore, technological and research advances will contribute to a deeper understanding of myopia trends, enabling informed and accessible eye care services.
