Myopia or short-sightedness is described in both the specialist and lay press as an epidemic of the 21st century. In Asia in particular, the frequency and extent of myopia has increased rapidly in recent decades. In the majority of those affected, the eye has grown too long in relation to the refractive power. In principle, myopia can be easily corrected optically with spectacles or contact lenses. Surgical interventions on the eye can also correct severe myopia so that glasses are no longer required. However, the stretching of the eyeball due to excessive growth remains. As a result, very serious eye damage can develop over the course of a lifetime. Intensive research has provided many insights into the mechanisms of eye length growth. This has led to the development of effective myopia control procedures that can be used during eye length growth at school age. An overview of the causes, health risks and treatment options for myopia is provided in this presentation.