The prevalence of myopia has increased significantly worldwide during the last decades.

Myopia increases the risk for many eye diseases and visual impairment.

Genetic factors explain myopia aetiology only to a small degree.

The increase in myopia has apparently been most strongly influenced by the increase in near work and the decrease in time spent outdoors.

Spending more time outdoors and avoiding prolonged near work have diminished the incidence of myopia among schoolchildren.

Using 0.01% atropine eye drops has given promising results in decreasing myopic progression, but more knowledge on the long-term benefits and possible disadvantages is needed.