An Evidence-Based Narrative Review of Scleral Hypoxia Theory in Myopia: From Mechanisms to Treatments

Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Jan 2;26(1):332. doi: 10.3390/ijms26010332.

Abstract

Myopia is one of the dominant causes of visual impairment in the world. Pathological myopia could even lead to other serious eye diseases. Researchers have reached a consensus that myopia could be caused by both environmental and genetic risk factors. Exploring the pathological mechanism of myopia can provide a scientific basis for developing measures to delay the progression of myopia or even treat it. Recent advances highlight that scleral hypoxia could be an important factor in promoting myopia. In this review, we summarized the role of scleral hypoxia in the pathology of myopia and also provided interventions for myopia that target scleral hypoxia directly or indirectly. We hope this review will aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies and drugs for myopia.

Keywords: hypoxia; mechanisms; myopia; treatments.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Hypoxia* / metabolism
  • Myopia* / etiology
  • Myopia* / metabolism
  • Myopia* / pathology
  • Myopia* / therapy
  • Sclera* / metabolism
  • Sclera* / pathology