The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine propose to conduct a consensus study that will consider various aspects related to the global increase in myopia. The goals of the study are to assess the current mechanistic understanding of myopia pathogenesis and causes of its increased prevalence, to identify knowledge gaps and barriers to progress, and to develop a research agenda aimed at better understanding the biological and environmental factors that could explain its increasing incidence. Questions to be addressed include:

• Given the key findings to date from experimental models of emmetropization and myopia, what are the gaps in knowledge and/or barriers to progress in understanding the link between known risk factors for myopia development in children and the cellular and molecular biology controlling eye growth?
• Epidemiological data indicate changes in environmental factors (e.g., amount of time outdoors or near work) explain the rapid increase in myopia prevalence. What are the limits in interpreting these data? What experimental studies can address mechanistic drivers? How can these findings inform preventive and counteractive measures?
• What are the unique characteristics of electronic devices that contribute to the rapid increase in myopia? What additional research is needed to inform potential design changes to make electronic devices safer?
• Despite the existence of effective interventions, uncorrected refractive error (for myopia and hyperopia) is the leading cause of vision impairment. What are the socioeconomic barriers to diagnosis and refractive correction in underserved populations? What research efforts might lead to innovative and effective methods for mitigating and overcoming these issues?

The committee will develop a final report that will present consensus findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Dissemination will be targeted to the practitioner and scientific community, educational institutions, industry and organization leaders, as well as policy makers and the public in the form of the final report, report briefs targeting distinct audiences, and presentations at professional conferences.