World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology & StrabismusMyopia Consensus Statement 2025

Myopia (commonly termed nearsightedness or shortsightedness) has increased in prevalencearound the world. In addition to genetic factors, there now exists evidence of numerousenvironmental factors that contribute to myopia development. Common forms of childhoodmyopia are due to axial elongation (i.e., a longer eyeball). As a result of renewed researchactivity on myopia, some forms of early intervention slow the axial elongation process and thusthe potential severity of myopia. In some myopes, the elongation process is associated with anincreased risk of cataract, glaucoma, retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy and strabismus.At present we are unable to identify which myopes these will be. Additionally, functionaldeficits of uncorrected myopia, along with an impact on career choice can occur. It is not clearat this time if interventions to slow myopic progression can prevent or reduce thesecomplications but there are sound hypothetical reasons to believe they are likely to do so. Inthis Consensus Statement all the interventions we have described are based on studies thathave shown statistical and clinical significance and have at least 2 years of follow-up with peer-reviewed publication. We are for the first time including a separate appendix for emergingtherapies that do not meet criteria yet to be included in the actual consensus statement.