The myopia boom

12/19/2015

This article discusses the global increase in myopia (near-sightedness) and explores potential causes and implications of this phenomenon. It highlights that myopia has reached epidemic proportions, particularly in East Asia, with almost 90% of 18-year-olds in some urban areas being myopic. The article suggests that the significant increase in myopia is likely due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as increased indoor activities and reduced time spent outdoors. It outlines various theories on the possible mechanisms behind the link between outdoor exposure and reduced risk of myopia development. The article also touches upon the potential consequences of this myopia epidemic, including higher risks of other eye diseases. Researchers and policymakers are exploring strategies to combat this trend and encourage healthier habits to protect vision.

myopia ꞏ nearsightedness ꞏ eyesight ꞏ vision ꞏ eye health ꞏ eye care ꞏ visual impairment ꞏ refractive error ꞏ biology ꞏ genetics ꞏ environmental factors ꞏ lifestyle ꞏ screen time ꞏ outdoor activities ꞏ education ꞏ school ꞏ children ꞏ adolescents ꞏ myopia progression ꞏ myopia control ꞏ eyeglasses ꞏ contact lenses ꞏ lasik ꞏ eye surgery ꞏ public health ꞏ epidemiology ꞏ prevalence ꞏ risk factors ꞏ prevention ꞏ treatment ꞏ research ꞏ scientific study ꞏ nature ꞏ science ꞏ healthcare ꞏ ophthalmology ꞏ optometry ꞏ childhood development ꞏ myopia epidemic ꞏ myopia prevalence ꞏ myopia management ꞏ visual acuity ꞏ ocular health ꞏ myopic shift ꞏ refractive development ꞏ ocular biometry ꞏ axial length ꞏ corneal curvature