The Global Rise of Myopia in Children: Pathophysiology, Early Detection Strategies, and Evidence-Based Interventions for Prevention


Authors : Dr. Venugopal Reddy Iragamreddy

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3bbd3z8f

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/4vma6es3

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov1263

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Abstract : Myopia has become one of the most significant ocular public health concerns in children, with prevalence rising at an alarming rate worldwide. Modern lifestyle habits including excessive near work, reduced outdoor activity, prolonged digital screen exposure, and academic pressure are accelerating early-onset myopia and its progression. High myopia increases the risk for irreversible retinal complications such as myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, cataract, and retinal detachment. Early detection, effective screening strategies, and evidence-based interventions play a crucial role in mitigating long-term impacts. This comprehensive review summarises current knowledge on epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, early detection, and management strategies, with an emphasis on low-dose atropine therapy, orthokeratology, multifocal lenses, and lifestyle modification. The review provides actionable guidance for paediatricians, family physicians, ophthalmologists, and public health practitioners to integrate preventive approaches into routine childhood care.

Keywords : Myopia in Children, Progressive Myopia, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Axial Elongation, Atropine 0.01%, Orthokeratology, Digital Eye Strain, School Vision Screening, Outdoor Activity, Myopia Prevention.

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Myopia has become one of the most significant ocular public health concerns in children, with prevalence rising at an alarming rate worldwide. Modern lifestyle habits including excessive near work, reduced outdoor activity, prolonged digital screen exposure, and academic pressure are accelerating early-onset myopia and its progression. High myopia increases the risk for irreversible retinal complications such as myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, cataract, and retinal detachment. Early detection, effective screening strategies, and evidence-based interventions play a crucial role in mitigating long-term impacts. This comprehensive review summarises current knowledge on epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, early detection, and management strategies, with an emphasis on low-dose atropine therapy, orthokeratology, multifocal lenses, and lifestyle modification. The review provides actionable guidance for paediatricians, family physicians, ophthalmologists, and public health practitioners to integrate preventive approaches into routine childhood care.

Keywords : Myopia in Children, Progressive Myopia, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Axial Elongation, Atropine 0.01%, Orthokeratology, Digital Eye Strain, School Vision Screening, Outdoor Activity, Myopia Prevention.

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31 - December - 2025

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