Rising Myopia Rates Accelerate Glaucoma Burden Globally

Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide; however, some projections of future trends likely underestimate its true burden by neglecting the rapid global increase in myopia. Since myopia is a major risk factor that accelerates onset and increases OAG risk, an international team of researchers posed the following question: How will the global myopic shift impact the future burden of OAG? They found that rising myopia rates will substantially increase the future burden of OAG worldwide, especially in regions with high myopia prevalence. The findings were reported in American Journal of Ophthalmology. With the glaucoma burden expected to rise on a global scale by 2060 and the increasing role of myopia as a catalyst for it, the authors of this study emphasize the need for enhanced myopia prevention and new targeted screening strategies. Photo: Wang BS Z, et al.Amer J Ophthalmol. December 14, 2025. Click image to enlarge. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 77 population-based publications (1991 to 2023) estimated current age- and region-specific glaucoma prevalence across regions. OAG prevalence in 2060 was modeled based on elevated risk among myopic individuals (RR: 1.9) and myopia epidemiology trends synthesized from 57 publications. Early-onset glaucoma (20 to 39 years) in 2060, attributable to high myopia, was estimated separately using projected high myopia prevalence and a pooled OAG prevalence of 4.4% in this highly myopic younger population.The authors reported that global glaucoma prevalence among individuals aged 40 and older is expected to rise from 2.8% in 2024 to 3.5% by 2060—a 24.3% increase. Globally, the number of individuals over age 40 affected by open-angle glaucoma is projected to increase from 80.5 million in 2024 to 186.6 million by 2060. Aging and demographic changes account for 77.3 million of those cases and an additional nearly 29 million (27.2% of the total increase) are attributed to the rising prevalence of myopia, the study explains.There is a regional disparity in disease burden to consider as well. With approximately 30% of the projected increase estimated to be attributable to myopia and high myopia—and myopia rates higher in Asian populations—the authors noted that this burden will disproportionately affect East Asia. Individuals there are projected to have the largest relative increase in glaucoma prevalence, rising by 50.5%—from 2.3% to 2.4%.An estimated 6.1 million early-onset OAG cases are anticipated among individuals aged 20 to 39 due to the influence of high myopia. The authors noted that this will bring the total global glaucoma population to 192.7 million by 2060. It’s projected that East Asia will have two-thirds of the cases in this younger age group.Although East Asia currently holds the largest patient count, the authors noted that South Asia is modeled to see the sharpest increase due to rapid aging—rising from 13.6 million to 38.4 million—and is projected to overtake East Asia by 2060. Together, these two regions could account for around 40% of the global burden.“The significant prevalence of OAG in Asia is likely linked primarily to its status as the most populous continent and its rapid demographic shift toward an older population,” the authors wrote in their paper. “Notably, when considering the younger OAG population aged 20 to 39 years, East Asia is projected to maintain its lead, reaching 39.8 million by 2060. The high prevalence of myopia and high myopia in Asian regions appears to be a key driver of this increase, potentially contributing to 97% of the OAG population growth in high-income Asia Pacific and 64% in East Asia.”The authors pointed out that, for the first time, this study provides an exploratory estimate of the prevalence of glaucoma in the population younger than 40 years. “Given that glaucoma is commonly regarded as an age-related disease, previous global estimates of OAG have predominantly concentrated on individuals aged 40 years and older. Considering the progressive and irreversible nature of glaucoma, early-onset OAG poses a greater burden than late-onset OAG, as it is associated with a higher number of years of glaucoma-related disability.”They emphasize the need for enhanced myopia prevention and improved glaucoma management strategies, including new targeted screening strategies, especially in regions with high myopia prevalence.Click here for the journal source. Wang BS Z, Can Zue C, Li Y, et al. Global glaucoma prevalence: burden and projection to 2060. Amer J Ophthalmol. December 14, 2025. [Epub ahead of print.] This article was developed by the editorial staff in conjunction with experts in the field. In the process, AI may have been among the editorial tools used to meet the goals of human editors, who approved all content.