Abstract Description
Myopia, or near-sightedness, is an ocular condition where there is a mismatch between the optical power and length of the eye. The combined optical power of the eye is too strong for its corresponding axial length, causing incoming light to focus in front of the retina. The most common form worldwide is secondary to elongation of the axial length of the eye, termed axial myopia. Myopia is the most common ocular disorder. It affects 20-50% of the population over 12 years of age in the United Stated. The prevalence is even higher in Asian, such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Recent evidence is pointing towards an increasing prevalence of myopia. Currently, the underlying mechanism for myopia development and progression remains unclear, however it is understood that the resultant axial length is determined by a complex interplay between individual genetics and environment. Outdoor activity was protective against myopic progression, while near-work activity had a detrimental effect, even adjusted for parental myopia and ethnicity. In addition, the associated increased axial length increases the risk of eye diseases, including presenile cataract, retinal detachment, myopic retinopathy and glaucoma. Myopia has been implicated as the sixth leading cause of visual loss. The importance of myopia should not be underestimated.
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