European Myopia Network

In Europe, more than 45% of 25–29-year-olds are myopic, in East Asia it is 80% – 90% of people. The Brian Holden Institute predicts that by 2050, 50% of people worldwide will be myopic, and that myopia become the most common cause of visual decline lost vision in Europe and in the worldwide. The increased risk of myopia in children is associated with both genetic and environmental factors. Children perform more near work and spend less time outdoors. The parental myopia is also a well-evidenced risk factor for myopia development. Slowing the progression of myopia to avoid high myopia is a challenge for both ophthalmologists and optometrists, but there is also a lot to do in the field of myopia prevention in terms of public education, involving authorities in health and education sectors, parents and teachers. We need both well-addressed high-quality materials for non-specialists and public awareness campaigns to present both threats and possible actions.

The European Myopia Network aims to provide platform for contacts and exchange of experiences in the latest knowledge on myopia, in different aspects, including education, prevention, screening, research, and treatment.

Main activities:

• increase public awareness about the risks, prevention methods and treatment of myopia
• organize educational events, such as webinars, to share the good practices and promote the latest scientific developments,
• support the clinical research in the field of myopia prevention and treatment

If you deal with myopia in children or believe that is an important health challenge, please join us.