Myopia control and contact lenses

Myopia is a global problem. The rising prevalence and the risks of sight‐threatening ocular pathology associated with myopia are well documented [ , ]. By 2050, it is predicted that half of the world's population (five billion people) will have myopia, with nearly one billion at high risk of sight threatening ocular pathology such as myopic maculopathy, retinal detachment and glaucoma. Those with a higher level of myopia being more susceptible to these ocular pathologies [ ]. In some parts of the world myopia is now considered as a public health concern and as such it features on the World Health Organisation agenda [ ]. Given this backdrop there is a genuine and pressing need to understand the pathogenesis of myopia and to develop innovative interventions to impact on the burden of myopia on the individual and the world economy [ ]. In recent years has seen an increase in the research effort into interventions to slow the progression of myopia, alongside studies exploring the nature, mechanisms and aetiology of myopia, all of which are crucial to underpin amelioration of this condition. As the evidence base has grown, we have seen translation of research across into interventions of myopia management in clinical practice. We are delighted that Contact Lenses and Anterior Eye has dedicated a special issue to the topic of myopia, which we hope will be of interest to eye care practitioners and researchers alike. Reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of myopia research, the original articles in this issue cover a broad base from basic to clinical research.