Is Europe Safe from the Myopia Epidemic? - Takeaways - MDSpire

Is Europe Safe from the Myopia Epidemic?

As global myopia rates soar, three landmark meta-analyses examine the European epidemiological landscape

  • By

  • Cristina Álvarez Peregrina

  • Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Tena

  • Pelsin Demir

  • Andrzej Grzybowski

  • May 5, 2026

  • 5 min

Share

  • 1

    Myopia prevalence in Europe is rising, with estimates between 23.5% and 24.9%, indicating a shift from previously stable patterns.

  • 2

    Adolescent myopia rates are concerning, with nearly 50% prevalence in some cohorts, highlighting a growing public health burden.

  • 3

    High myopia affects over 3% of the European population, increasing risks for serious eye conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma.

  • 4

    Methodological differences in measurement techniques may lead to overestimation of myopia prevalence in Europe, necessitating caution in data interpretation.

  • 5

    The European Eye Care Professionals must shift from mere refractive correction to proactive myopia management, especially for children aged 6 to 12.

Original Source(s)

Is Europe Safe from the Myopia Epidemic?

  • by Cristina Álvarez Peregrina, Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Tena, Pelsin Demir, Andrzej Grzybowski

  • May 5, 2026

Related Content

Why Myopia Management Fails in Private Practice and How to Fix It

Keshav Bhat, OD, outlines the top 3 ways he sees myopia management fail in private practice and provides fixes to propel clinicians forward.

From Minus Fours to Major Gains

Dr. William Stephen discusses growing your practice with myopia management.

When a Contact Lens Patient Thinks Their Lenses Are Fine

Dr. Jim Hoffman explains how patients saying "my contact lenses are fine" means "tell me more about contact lens Features I Never knew Existed"