Episode Details

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

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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