The Eye disease Foundation is launching an alarm signal on the progression of myopia, while by 2050, around 50% of the population will be affected.
Myopia – an eye disease which consists of a lack of distant vision – today affects around 30% of the world’s population, and Canada does not escape it.
“Not only do cases increase, but the severity also increases, this is what is alarming,” said Patrick Rochette, full professor of the Ophthalmology Department of Laval University.
A myopia that worsens can be heavy with consequences, such as the detachment of the retina, the development of maculopathies and glaucoma and can even go as far as blindness.
During the pandemic, studies have shown that myopia has developed three times faster during confinements, while screen use, whether for leisure or teaching, was more important. The use of screens is known to be a cause of myopia.
Patrick J. Rochette, full professor and director of research in the Ophthalmology Department of Laval University. Photo: Catherine Bouchard filed on May 6, 2025 Catherine Bouchard
“We do not understand exactly why, there is research that is done on this,” observes Mr. Rochette.
Play out
Studies have also shown that going out regularly reduced the progression of myopia. These activities were also reduced during confinements.
-“Daylight contains blue light and this has an effect on the production of dopamine in the retina and which would promote a more adequate development of the training of the eye during childhood,” explains Dr. Marc Hébert, President of the Eye Disease Foundation.
Formerly considered to be a disorder, myopia has been recognized as a disease by the National Academy of Sciences since September 2024. This recognition has come with the urgency of finding pathways.
This declaration must encourage governments and foundations to finance research, says Rochette.
Make prevention
Dr. Hébert announced on Tuesday an FMO research fund up to $ 100,000 for the Myopia plan, with the collaboration of the Vision network. Its objective is to prevent myopia, but also to find curative treatments.
Prevention involves the screening of children at the start of the school career, while it is a crucial period of the development of the disease.
Since 2019, the FMO has offered the program at the School of View, a visual disturbance screening service for children aged 4 and 5. More than 90% of Quebec schools benefit from this service annually.
“80% of learning involves the vision and impact of poor vision in a child, it can bring about learning problems, impacts in sports practice and self -esteem, as well as fatigue and attention problems,” said Steeve Lachance, Director General of the FMO.
Steeve Lachance, Managing Director of the Eye Disease Foundation. Photo: Catherine Bouchard filed on May 6, 2025 Catherine Bouchard
