The Brien Holden Vision Institute (BHVI) has announced the launch a global Myopia Awareness Week, from 23 to 28 May 2022, to bring attention to the growing epidemic of myopia in children around the world.
With Myopia being among the most common ocular disorders worldwide and a leading cause of visual impairment in children,1 BHVI hopes to combat the rising global prevalence, which predicts myopia will rise to 50% of the world’s population in 2050.2 Uncorrected myopia is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.3
Myopia Awareness Week will focus on the driving message ‘Make your Eyes Move’ to encourage activities that promote eye health and reduce the risk of myopia
This year, Myopia Awareness Week will focus on the driving message ‘Make your Eyes Move’ to encourage activities that promote eye health and reduce the risk of myopia. Along with content for social media, globally recognised individuals from the eye care field will be providing their tips and recommendations for parents and children to help reduce the risk of onset or progression of the debilitating ocular disorder.
BHVI will also provide a range of educational resources for practitioners, parents and advocates of myopia awareness.
“The eye health of our young matters more than ever before. COVID-19 has significantly raised the stakes and increased the burden of myopia. But there is hope, with much happening in research, product development and professional education to meet the myopia challenge,” said Professor Padmaja Sankaridurg, Head of Myopia Program, BHVI.
“We must engage from the frontlines – through eye care practitioners – to ensure they are able to educate their communities about myopia and manage and protect our children’s futures.
“We are delighted to continue to lead the way forward in myopia awareness and research at BHVI, and are thrilled at the continued support we receive from the profession and industry during Myopia Awareness Week- it is truly a global collective trying to move the needle on myopia management.”
Resources and campaign information can be found at bhvi.org.
References
1. Mehta N, Wen A. Myopia: A Global Epidemic. Retina Today. September 2019.
2. Holden BA, Fricke TR, Wilson DA, et al. Global Prevalence of Myopia and High Myopia and Temporal Trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology 2016;123(5):1036–42.
3. Flaxman SR, Bourne RRA, Resnikoff S, et al. Global causes of blindness and distance vision impairment 1990–2020: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Glob Health 2017;5(12):e1221–e34.
