The economic and societal impact of myopia and high myopia

Abstract

The World Health Organization lists uncorrected or under-corrected myopia as a major cause of visual impairment. Myopia may impair many aspects of life including educational and occupational activities. The annual direct cost of myopia correction for Asian adults has been estimated at US $328 billion/annum. The cost of care is also likely to increase significantly, exacerbated by an even greater increase in the prevalence of high myopia. High myopes have greater risk of developing several vision-threatening conditions including myopic macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataract. Those affected individuals incur costs for specialist eye care, or specialist optical aids for patients with visual impairment. These costs are in the region of US $250 billion/annum. Myopes, especially high myopes, tend to have reduced quality of life due to adverse influences from psychological, cosmetic, practical and financial factors. Treatments such as orthokeratology contact lenses, soft bifocal contact lenses, and topical pharmaceutical agents such as low dose atropine are currently most effective, with differing implications for personal finances and quality of life.