December 2, 2025
By Jagrut Lallu, FIAOMC, MSc Specialty Lenses, BOptom (Hons), University of Auckland, Deakin University
Photo Credit: Getty Images
“Myths in Myopia Epidemiology and Treatment” is an excellent article that helps to draw attention to some of the barriers that lead to the time lag in translating research into clinical practice in medicine, which is currently estimated to be 17 years.1
This article explores common myths about myopia epidemiology and treatment, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices in eye care. Contrary to the misconception that substantial myopia predominantly affects Asian populations, rising prevalence in Europe and North America demonstrates a broader global impact linked to lifestyle changes rather than genetic differences alone.
Additionally, the belief that school-aged myopia is harmless is challenged by evidence showing early-onset myopia can progress to high myopia, significantly increasing risks of sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.
The article further debunks the myth that myopia ceases progressing in adulthood, highlighting studies that indicate ongoing progression in approximately 18% of young adults, especially among certain demographics. It also refutes the effectiveness of undercorrecting myopia to slow its progression, pointing out evidence that suggests this practice may worsen the condition.
Ultimately, the authors advocate for early intervention, full correction and continual education of clinicians to replace outdated beliefs with current evidence-based strategies, aiming to enhance myopia management outcomes.
Possibly the most important sentence in this paper is the following: “Research funding agencies need to support short-term studies (5-10 years) and also develop mechanisms for obtaining very long-term outcomes (≥20 years) in myopia control.”
References
- Morris ZS, Wooding S, Grant J. The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research. J R Soc Med. 2011 Dec;104(12):510-20. doi: 10.1258/jrsm.2011.110180. PMID: 22179294; PMCID: PMC3241518.
Abstract
Myths in Myopia Epidemiology and Treatment
Carla Lanca, PhD; Michael X. Repka, MD, MBA; Andrzej Grzybowski, MD, PhD, MBA
Practicing evidence-based medicine requires constant effort to acquire, assess, and implement new knowledge that improves our care. Since 2013, more than 1000 publications per year have discussed myopia, many challenging existing medical beliefs. As in other areas of medicine, ophthalmologists are expected to translate new knowledge into their clinical practice as well as manage their demanding clinical schedule. However, practicing clinicians, including ophthalmologists, are sometimes slow to discard medical myths contradicted by available evidence. This is especially true in fields with rapidly evolving research, such as myopia. The goal of this Viewpoint is to highlight examples of common beliefs about myopia epidemiology and control that are not evidence based and to consider corrective educational strategies.
DOI:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.0575
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Jagrut Lallu is the International Myopia Institute Ambassador for New Zealand and also the World Council of Optometry Myopia Ambassador for Asia Pacific. He is a partner at Rose Optometry, Founder of the New Zealand Eye Research Centre and has affiliations with the University of Auckland and Deakin University Medical Schools. He set up the first myopia management clinic in New Zealand in 2009 and currently performs clinical research on products relating to myopia management, dry eye, biopharmaceuticals and Intraocular Lenses. |
