Myopia in India
India presents a rapidly evolving myopia picture. While the overall national prevalence (~13%) remains far below East Asian levels, urban rates of 30–50% in school-age children rival those of Europe. India's trajectory matters globally — with 1.4 billion people and accelerating urbanisation, it is projected to become the world's second largest myopia population by absolute numbers by 2050.
The clinical picture in India
India's myopia epidemic is primarily an urban phenomenon. School-based studies in major cities (Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi) consistently show 30–50% prevalence in children attending private schools — comparable to European levels. Rural populations remain substantially lower, typically below 10%, reflecting differences in near-work intensity, educational pressure, and outdoor time. This urban–rural gap is one of the largest in any country studied.
Urban vs. rural prevalence
| Population | Prevalence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rural children (all ages) | ~5–10% | School surveys; mixed methods |
| Urban children (private school) | 30–50% | Higher academic intensity |
| Urban South Indian adults | ~48% | Population survey data |
| Urban IT professionals (30–40yr) | 60–70% | High near-work exposure |
Treatment access
Evidence-based myopia management is available in major Indian cities through specialist optometry and ophthalmology practices, but access is highly uneven. Orthokeratology is available in metro centres; MiSight lenses are available but cost is a barrier. Atropine is compounded locally. DIMS/HALT spectacle lenses (Stellest, MiyoSmart) have limited but growing availability. The Brien Holden Vision Institute (Sydney) has been active in India-specific research and training programmes.
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Open calculator →Priscilla JJ et al. Prevalence of myopia in India. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt. 2021.
Liang J et al. Global myopia projections to 2050. Br J Ophthalmol. 2025.
Holden BA et al. Global prevalence of myopia. Ophthalmology. 2016;123(5):1036–1042. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2016.01.006
This page presents published epidemiological data — not primary measurements by MyopiaTracker. Figures carry the uncertainty of their source studies. This page does not constitute medical advice. MyopiaTracker is a decision-support tool — not a diagnostic device.