The Myopia Epidemic Is Getting Worse (and how to stop it)

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Mar 18, 2026

Dr. Rupa Wong, a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus surgeon, explains the global rise in nearsightedness. She discusses why earlier onset matters and the serious long-term eye risks tied to high myopia. The conversation covers lifestyle drivers like screens and lack of outdoor time, plus evidence-based tools such as low-dose atropine, specialty lenses, contact options, and practical prevention strategies.

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ANECDOTE

Measuring Axial Length Led Her To Start Treatment Early

Rupa Wong measured her children's axial lengths early and found a long eye despite 20/20 vision, prompting early intervention.
She started all three children on low‑dose atropine before visual symptoms because axial length signaled risk.

ADVICE

Rely On Teachers To Spot Early Signs

Watch for teacher observations, squinting, head tilting, blurred distance vision, or academic decline as early signs of myopia.
Parents should schedule eye exams when teachers report visual issues because kids often don't report distance blur.

INSIGHT

You Cannot Reverse Axial Myopia With Exercises

Myopia cannot be reversed by exercises or diet because axial elongation changes eyeball shape; visual improvement from training is neural adaptation not structural reversal.
Prevention and slowing axial growth are the realistic clinical goals.

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Myopia is rising fast and the global myopia epidemic is becoming a serious public health concern. In some regions, nearly 90% of the population is now myopic, with rates of myopia in children increasing every year. But myopia isn’t just about needing glasses earlier in life. Progressive myopia significantly increases the risk of serious and potentially blinding eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy, making myopia prevention and myopia control more important than ever.

On the Dr. Eye Health Podcast, Dr. Joseph Allen is joined by pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Rupa Wong to unpack the global myopia epidemic. Together they explore why myopia is increasing, the lifestyle factors driving it, and the science-backed strategies that can slow its progression in children.

From low-dose atropine drops to special myopia-control glasses and contact lenses, this conversation breaks down what parents, patients, and eye care professionals need to know about protecting long-term vision.

In This Episode You Will Learn

✅ Why myopia is increasing rapidly around the world

✅ The serious long-term eye disease risks associated with high myopia

✅ How lifestyle habits like screen time and indoor living affect children’s vision

✅ Evidence-based treatments that can slow or prevent myopia progression

✅ Why outdoor time may be one of the most powerful prevention tools

👉 If you enjoy evidence-based eye health education from real doctors and researchers, follow the Dr. Eye Health Podcast so you never miss an episode.

Timestamps

00:00 The growing global myopia epidemic

03:50 Why nearsightedness is more than just needing glasses

08:00 The long-term risks of high myopia and eye disease

13:40 Why children today are becoming nearsighted earlier

17:00 Signs a child may be developing myopia

19:20 Can myopia be reversed? What the science says

20:00 Low-dose atropine drops for myopia control

26:00 Special myopia control glasses and new lens technology

30:00 Myopia control contact lenses and orthokeratology

37:00 Emerging treatments like red light therapy

41:00 Combining treatments to slow myopia progression

44:40 Lifestyle tips for parents to protect children’s vision

Want to learn more about Myopia check out these other episodes:

👉 Children's Eye Health: Essential Tips and ...

👉 How to Slow & Stop Myopia - The Ultimate Myopia Management Guide

👉Myopia Management with MiSight® 1 Day Contact Lenses!

👉This will affect over 50% of people - the Myopia Pandemic

Key Takeaways

🔹 Myopia is a growing global health issue

Nearsightedness is increasing worldwide, with some countries reporting up to 90% prevalence among young adults.

🔹 The real concern is long-term eye health

High myopia dramatically increases the risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.

🔹 Lifestyle plays a major role

Increased near work, screen use, and reduced outdoor time are key drivers behind rising myopia rates in children.

🔹 Prevention and early intervention matter

Low-dose atropine drops, specialized glasses, and myopia-control contact lenses can significantly slow progression.

🔹 Outdoor time is one of the best natural protections

Research shows that at least two hours of outdoor light per day can help reduce the risk of developing myopia.

Guest Bio

Dr. Rupa Wong is a board-certified pediatric ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus surgery and childhood eye diseases. She treats both pediatric and adult patients and has extensive experience in myopia management and prevention strategies.

Dr. Wong frequently lectures on pediatric eye health and is passionate about helping families understand how to protect children’s vision in a screen-driven world.

Myopia, myopia management, myopia epidemic, myopia control, nearsightedness in children, pediatric eye health, low dose atropine, myopia prevention, eye health podcast, vision science, childhood vision problems, screen time and eyesight

DISCLAIMER:

This video is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. Watching this content does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or eye care professional regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. All content and information is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor or health professional. In addition, some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning, at no cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.