Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is when we cannot see clearly in the distance without vision correction.

It is a rapidly progressing condition in today’s society and has been called an epidemic in this generation. In the past decade scientific research has found that it's progression can be affected by genetics and environment.

In Australia, it is predicted that the prevalence of short-sightedness will approach 50% by 2050, whilst in parts of South East Asia it's incidence is currently 80% in secondary age students. It has been found to more commonly start around puberty for Australians, but can begin in earlier ages of 5 and 6.

It is important to manage and control it's progression as there are associated risks of: retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataract development, which are sight-threatening.