Myopia (short-sightedness)

In 2010 there were approximately 2 billion people with myopia and this is projected to be rise significantly to 5 billion people by 2050. (Holden et al, Ophthalmology 2016)

There are many reasons for this increase, our Contact Lens partners CooperVision UK, have summarised them in two categories, Genetics and Lifestyle:

Myopia in children increases when parents are myopic. The risk is nearly:

• 1 in 2 – When both parents are myopic
• 1 in 3 – When one parent is myopic
• 1 in 4 – When neither parent is myopic

Modern Lifestyles may influence the development of myopia

• Low levels of outdoor activity
• Prolonged near tasks such as reading and gaming on portable devices
• Poor lighting levels

(CooperVision UK, 2019)

For more information on why Myopia can be of a concern in children and the ways in which we can assist in managing it, please see our Myopia Control page.