How Increasing Myopia Can Increase the Risk of Eye Disease
Why does controlling myopia progression matter?
The Every Dioptre Matters™ Myopia Risk Visualiser has been designed to help parents better understand how increasing levels of myopia may increase the lifetime risk of eye diseases such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma and cataracts.
The visualiser is based on published scientific research and the clinical experience of practitioners managing children with myopia. It has been designed to help parents move beyond the idea that myopia is “just needing glasses” and better understand the importance of long-term eye health.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry. In most cases, this happens because the eye grows too long from front to back, known as axial elongation.
As the eye elongates:
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glasses prescriptions become stronger,
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the retina and other eye tissues become stretched,
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and the lifetime risk of eye disease can increase.
Myopia is becoming increasingly common worldwide, particularly in children.
Does Myopia Increase the Risk of Eye Disease?
Yes. Research shows that higher levels of myopia are associated with increased risks of several potentially sight-threatening eye diseases later in life.
Importantly, the risk does not suddenly begin at “high myopia”. Instead, evidence suggests that with each additional dioptre of myopia, the risks continue to rise.
This is why many clinicians and researchers now emphasise the importance of slowing progression during childhood wherever appropriate.
What Does “Every Dioptre Matters” Mean?
The phrase “Every Dioptre Matters” reflects the growing understanding that even relatively small reductions in myopia progression may have meaningful long-term benefits.
For example:
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reducing a child’s final prescription from -6.00D to -4.00D may reduce future eye disease risk,
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slowing axial elongation may reduce retinal stretching,
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and preventing progression to high myopia may help preserve long-term eye health.
The goal of myopia management is not always to stop myopia completely, but to reduce progression as much as possible.
Eye Conditions Associated with Myopia
Retinal Detachment
As the eye becomes longer, the retina becomes more stretched and thinner. This may increase the risk of retinal tears and retinal detachment later in life.
Symptoms can include:
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flashes,
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floaters,
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shadows in vision,
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or sudden loss of vision.
Retinal detachment can be a medical emergency.
Myopic Maculopathy
Myopic maculopathy refers to degenerative changes affecting the central retina (macula) in highly myopic eyes.
It is one of the leading causes of visual impairment associated with high myopia and may affect:
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central vision,
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reading,
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facial recognition,
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and daily activities.
Glaucoma
People with myopia appear to have a higher risk of glaucoma, a condition involving damage to the optic nerve.
Glaucoma often develops slowly and without symptoms initially, which is why regular eye examinations are important.
Cataracts
Myopic individuals may develop cataracts earlier and may be more likely to require cataract surgery during their lifetime.
Why Childhood Myopia Matters
Childhood is when myopia usually progresses most rapidly.
Children who:
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become myopic at a younger age,
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have rapidly worsening prescriptions,
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have myopic parents,
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or have longer axial lengths,
may be at greater risk of developing high myopia later in life.
This is why increasing attention is now being given to myopia management and slowing progression during childhood.
Can Myopia Progression Be Slowed?
Research suggests that several approaches may help slow childhood myopia progression, including:
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lifestyle changes such as increased outdoor time,
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specialist spectacle lenses,
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contact lens-based treatments,
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orthokeratology (Ortho-K),
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and low-dose atropine eye drops.
Not every child requires treatment, and different options may suit different children. Parents should discuss concerns and options with an appropriately qualified eye care professional.
Important Information
The Every Dioptre Matters™ Risk Visualiser is intended for educational purposes only. It does not predict an individual child’s future eye health and should not replace professional clinical advice.
If you are concerned about your child’s eyesight or myopia progression, please consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist experienced in myopia management.
Learn More About Myopia Management
Explore more parent resources, explanations and tools at Myopia Focus: