It is estimated that there are nearly 1.4 billion myopic people in the world, and myopia becomes a significant global health problem. Myopia not only affects visual health, but also leads to serious complications such as macular degeneration and retinal detachment, which can cause blindness in severe cases. Apart from its impact on health, myopia also imposes a substantial economic burden. This burden includes direct medical costs (e.g., expenses for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and corrective surgeries) as well as indirect costs (e.g., reduced productivity, learning abilities, and quality of life). The prevalence of myopia is particularly high in China, posing a threat not only to individual health, but also to society and the economy. International studies on the economic burden of myopia have examined the direct medical costs, patient time costs and productivity loss. These studies help governments and health authorities understand the economic impact of myopia to develop effective public health and resource allocation strategies.. By optimizing medical resources and reducing social costs, these measures aim to alleviate the economic burden. This article provides an overview of the economic burden of myopia, including its definition, measurement, current status at home and abroad, and the importance of prevention and alleviation. It also highlights the current research directions and findings, to provide focusing fields and foundations for future research.