Although myopia can have several causes, the most common cause of myopia is due to a front-to-back elongation of the eyeball, which is known as axial myopia. This elongation causes the focal point of the incoming light to sit in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This explains why myopia tends to worsen during the growing years, especially during childhood and adolescence, when the eyes are still developing and changing.[1]
What causes myopia?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Myopia is primarily caused by the elongation of the eyeball, known as axial myopia, which results in the focal point of light falling in front of the retina. This condition often worsens during childhood and adolescence when the eyes are still developing.