The Myopia Epidemic: A Growing Concern in Modern Vision Care

August 25, 2025

A pair of glasses sitting on a table showing a blurred background clear through the lenses

Read time: 3 minutes

Myopia — commonly known as nearsightedness — is on the rise at an unprecedented rate across the globe. Once viewed as a simple refractive issue, it’s now being recognized as a significant public health concern. Experts refer to this rapid increase as the “myopia epidemic,” and its long-term impact on eye health is substantial—especially for those experiencing progressive or high myopia.

A Closer Look at Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision while close-up tasks remain clear. It’s a condition that typically develops during childhood and can worsen over time. However, more adults are now facing the consequences of progressive myopia, particularly those who were not properly managed early on.

At Urban Optiks Optometry, we’re seeing more patients with moderate to high myopia seeking premium lens solutions and enhanced correction options — often motivated by both functional clarity and long-term ocular health.

What’s Behind the Surge?

The causes of myopia’s increase are linked to modern lifestyles and environmental factors, including:

Prolonged near work: Extended hours spent on computers, smartphones, and reading materials place significant stress on the visual system.
Limited outdoor time: While more relevant in youth development, lack of natural light exposure continues to affect overall eye comfort and health for adults.
Digital dependence: With hybrid work environments and screen-heavy habits, adults now face visual fatigue that exacerbates underlying refractive issues.

To combat these effects, we often recommend incorporating blue light filtering lenses that help reduce digital eye strain and improve comfort during extended screen use.

Why It Matters for Adults

While many associate myopia management with childhood interventions, adults with high myopia are at a greater risk for serious eye conditions, such as:

Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Myopic macular degeneration
Early cataracts

Understanding your level of risk and taking a proactive approach to care — including regular comprehensive eye exams — is critical to preserving long-term vision.

Advanced Options for Myopic Adults

Urban Optiks Optometry specializes in precision vision correction tailored for patients with more complex prescriptions. We offer high-index lenses, digital freeform designs, and customized coatings that reduce distortion, improve clarity, and provide greater visual comfort — especially for those with moderate to severe myopia.

For those seeking performance and style, our curated selection of handcrafted luxury eyewear offers elevated design paired with advanced lens options.

The Takeaway

Myopia is more than a common vision issue — it’s an evolving challenge that deserves serious attention. Whether you’ve been nearsighted since youth or are noticing your prescription worsening over time, we’re here to help you see clearly, comfortably, and stylishly.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today at Urban Optiks Optometry and let us guide you toward smarter, more sustainable vision solutions.

< Previous Post

Next Post >

Share this blog post on social or with a friend:

The information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is strongly recommended to consult with an eye care professional for personalized recommendations and guidance regarding your individual needs and eye health concerns.

All of Urban Optiks Optometry's blog posts and articles contain information carefully curated from openly sourced materials available in the public domain. We strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. For a comprehensive understanding of our practices and to read our full disclosure statement, please click here.

OUR LATEST POSTS

Close-up of an eye with an abrasion, illuminated with ultraviolet light.

Corneal Abrasions: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Protect Your Eyes

October 7, 2025

Read time: 5 minutes The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. It plays two essential roles: focusing light for sharp vision and protecting the eye’s delicate inner structures from debris and infection. Because it is both exposed and highly sensitive, the cornea is especially vulnerable to injury. A scratch or scrape on its surface is known as a corneal abrasion. While many abrasions are minor and heal quickly, they can cause significant discomfort and may lead to complications if left untreated. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help you protect your vision and respond appropriately if an injury occurs. What Is a Corneal Abrasion? A corneal abrasion is a scratch or scrape on the epithelium, the thin outer layer of the cornea. This surface contains numerous nerve endings, which explains why even small abrasions often cause sudden, sharp pain. Along with discomfort, abrasions can also blur vision until the surface has healed. You can find out more about corneal abrasions in this article from Harvard Health Publishing . Common Causes Corneal abrasions often happen in everyday life, from something as simple as rubbing the eye too hard to environmental hazards at work or outdoors. Some of the most common causes include: Foreign particles such as dust, sand, or metal shavings entering the eye Accidental scratches , often from fingernails or makeup brushes Improper contact lens use , including wearing them overnight or with poor hygiene Paper cuts from envelopes or books Tree branches or leaves encountered outdoors Workplace hazards , especially when protective eyewear is not used Symptoms to Watch For Because the cornea is so sensitive, symptoms usually appear immediately. These may include: Sudden eye pain, especially noticeable when blinking Redness, tearing, and excessive blinking A persistent sensation of something in the eye (foreign body sensation) Light sensitivity ( photophobia ) Blurred or decreased vision Difficulty keeping the eye open These symptoms can overlap with other conditions, including corneal infections, so a professional exam is recommended rather than self-diagnosis. Diagnosis Eye doctors typically use a slit-lamp microscope to examine the cornea in detail. They may also apply a fluorescein dye, which makes scratches more visible under blue light. This exam helps confirm the abrasion and check for any trapped foreign objects. In more serious cases, or if caused by high-velocity particles, additional imaging may be used. Treatment and Healing Most corneal abrasions heal within 24 to 72 hours. Treatment focuses on pain relief, preventing infection, and supporting the natural healing process. Depending on the injury, your doctor may recommend: Lubricating drops or ointments to ease irritation Antibiotic drops to prevent infection (especially important for contact lens wearers) Prescription drops to relax eye muscles and reduce pain in some cases Avoiding contact lenses until healing is complete Protective eyewear to prevent further trauma Eye patches are rarely used today, and steroid drops are generally avoided during the initial healing period since they can slow recovery. Special Considerations for Contact Lens Wearers Contact lenses increase the risk of both abrasions and infections. Wearing lenses too long, handling them without proper hygiene, or sleeping in them can scratch the cornea and create conditions for bacterial growth. If you wear contacts and develop sudden eye pain, redness, or blurry vision, remove the lenses immediately and see your eye doctor. Continuing to wear contacts over an abrasion can worsen the injury and delay healing. When to Seek Medical Care Even if symptoms seem mild, it’s best to have corneal abrasions evaluated by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Seek prompt care if: Pain lasts longer than 24 hours Vision becomes increasingly blurry Sensitivity to light worsens There is discharge, swelling, or signs of infection You have a history of recurrent corneal erosions Without treatment, abrasions may lead to complications such as corneal ulcers or scarring, both of which can cause permanent vision changes. Prevention Many abrasions are preventable with good habits. Steps you can take include: Wearing protective eyewear during high-risk activities like construction, sports, or yard work Handling contact lenses with clean hands and avoiding overnight wear unless prescribed Replacing eye makeup tools regularly and keeping them clean Avoiding rubbing your eyes, especially in dusty or dry environments Using artificial tears to keep the eyes hydrated The Takeaway Corneal abrasions may be common, but they should never be ignored. With proper treatment, most heal quickly and without lasting effects. However, untreated abrasions can progress into serious eye conditions that permanently affect vision. Whether from contact lenses, workplace exposure, or everyday accidents, protecting your cornea is essential to safeguarding your eyesight. Learn more about other corneal conditions in this article from the National Eye Institute.