Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition in which the shape or length of the eye prevents light from focusing directly on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. For someone who has myopia, objects in the distance appear fuzzy or blurry, while objects up close still look crisp and clear.

Pathological Consequences of Myopia

Myopia is associated with several pathologic eye conditions, leading to irreversible vision loss. Myopia is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide.

According to a review by the National Institute of Health,  "treatment for preventing myopia progression is reliant on effective screening and initiating treatment early in life." 

Myopia typically develops during childhood and can onset as early as five years of age. Myopia tends to progress and worsen at an accelerated rate from a young age through the teen years while the child is growing. A proactive approach has shown to be most effective in slowing down the progression of myopia, and most importantly preventing the progression to "high myopia."

Statistics have shown a worsening in the degree of myopia, as well as an increase in the prevalence of myopia over the last twenty years. Genetics, natural eye growth, and youth lifestyle changes have all contributed to this growing concern. Decreased outdoor activity time and increased digital device use are the main causes of reduced capacity for distance vision in children.

Myopia is the most common refractive error globally, affecting an estimated 2.6 billion people in 2020 (2). The prevalence of myopia is set to increase substantially in the coming decade, with 3.36 billion people estimated to be impacted by 2030. By 2050, half of the world's population will be myopic. 

Myopia is a global health crisis for children in particular after its progression was accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Children were at home and screentime, as well as other up-close activities, increased, while time going outside decreased. Prior to the COVID pandemic, the only successful treatment options for myopia control were surgical, invasive, and/or unsuitable for young children (and they are the ones that need it most!). The urgent need for a kid-friendly solution to this health crisis has never been higher.

Amid the growing global concern about children's vision, the Guardian Digital Control System (DCS) was created as a revolutionary method for accessible myopia management in kids.