Myopia Statistics & Facts 2026
Myopia (nearsightedness) has reached epidemic proportions worldwide, with prevalence rates doubling in many countries over the past 30 years. This page compiles the most current statistics on myopia prevalence, progression, risk factors, and treatment outcomes from peer-reviewed medical literature and major health organizations.
Key Takeaways
- 1.Myopia affects over 2.6 billion people globally and is projected to affect 50% of the world population by 2050.
- 2.In the United States, myopia prevalence has nearly doubled since the 1970s, now affecting 42% of adults.
- 3.Children who develop myopia early (before age 10) are at highest risk for progression to high myopia.
- 4.Evidence-based treatments like Ortho-K, low-dose atropine, and MiSight lenses can slow progression by 50-67%.
- 5.Outdoor time (76+ minutes/day) is the most effective preventive measure for children not yet myopic.
- 6.Every -1.00D of additional myopia approximately doubles the lifetime risk of sight-threatening complications.
Global Myopia Prevalence
Worldwide rates of myopia continue to climb, especially in East Asia and among younger populations.
Approximately 2.6 billion people globally are affected by myopia as of 2024, a number projected to reach 4.76 billion by 2050.
Half the world population is expected to be myopic by 2050, up from approximately 34% in 2020.
Nearly 1 billion people will have high myopia (>-5.00D) by 2050, increasing risk of sight-threatening complications.
In countries like South Korea, China, and Singapore, 80-90% of young adults completing high school are myopic.
Myopia in the United States
Myopia prevalence in the US has increased significantly since the 1970s.
Approximately 42% of the US population aged 12-54 is myopic, up from 25% in 1971-1972.
An estimated 9.2 million children (ages 3-19) in the United States have myopia.
The economic burden of myopia correction (glasses, contacts, refractive surgery) in the US exceeds $14.7 billion annually.
Pediatric Myopia Progression
Myopia typically begins in childhood and progresses fastest before adulthood.
Myopia most commonly develops between ages 6 and 14, with earlier onset associated with higher final prescriptions.
Without treatment, myopic children progress approximately -0.50 diopters per year on average.
For every additional -1.00D of myopia, the risk of myopic maculopathy approximately doubles.
Myopia Control Treatment Effectiveness
Evidence-based treatments can significantly slow myopia progression.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses slow axial eye growth by 50-60% compared to single-vision glasses.
Low-dose atropine (0.05%) reduces myopia progression by approximately 59% over 2 years.
MiSight 1 day soft contact lenses reduced myopia progression by 59% and axial length growth by 52% over 3 years.
Essilor Stellest spectacle lenses demonstrated 67% slowing of myopia progression in the 3-year clinical trial.
Risk Factors & Prevention
Modifiable and non-modifiable factors that influence myopia development.
Children with two myopic parents have approximately 6 times the risk of developing myopia compared to children with no myopic parents.
At least 76 minutes of daily outdoor time is associated with a significant reduction in myopia incidence in children.
Each additional hour of near work per day increases the risk of myopia by approximately 2%, with prolonged screen time a major contributor.
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