Myopia pandemic by 2050: myth or reality? Global strategies to control myopia based on the 19th International Myopia Conference

Myopia is the most common cause of impaired distance vision. It can lead to pathological myopia and associated serious complications if progresses to a higher grade. Given the high prevalence of myopia among children and adolescents, it is becoming a medical and social problem. The paper provides a review of lectures and discussions of the 19th International Myopia Conference held in September 2024 in China. Conference papers show that scientists and clinicians are focused on comprehensive investigation of the mechanism of myopia development, identification of its predictors and genetic aspects. A lot of focus is on the elaboration of effective treatment and preventive measures for children of preschool age and older, particularly new pharmacological approaches and improved optical correction methods to control myopia.