Pediatric ophthalmology is witnessing a concerning shift as myopia prevalence in Europe rises, influenced by environmental changes and lifestyle factors. Systematic reviews indicate prevalence rates between 23.5% and 24.9%, with adolescents experiencing surge rates nearing 50%. Regional disparities exist, and a troubling 3% of Europeans are affected by high myopia. The lack of standardized diagnostic protocols raises questions about measurement accuracy. With increasing near-work demands, especially in urban areas, the role of eye care professionals is shifting towards proactive myopia management using tools like low-dose atropine to intervene early.
