This is the first time in my life that I've heard that nearsightedness can be induced by how you use your eyes. I thought it was known to be genetic.
Lack of time spent outdoors and reading a lot are risk factors of developing myopia http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/basics/risk-factors/con-20027548zoobyshoe said:
Three of my six siblings were born with myopia, as far as I can remember.zoobyshoe said:
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry. It is considered an epidemic because it is becoming increasingly prevalent, especially in younger populations, and is expected to affect over half of the world's population by 2050.
The main factors contributing to the myopia epidemic include genetics, environmental factors such as excessive near work and lack of outdoor time, and lifestyle changes such as increased screen time and decreased physical activity.
It is difficult to predict the exact percentage of people who will need glasses in the future due to myopia, as it depends on many factors. However, it is likely that a significant portion of the population will require some form of visual correction, whether it be glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent myopia, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing it. These include spending more time outdoors, taking breaks from near work, and practicing good visual habits such as maintaining proper posture and distance from screens.
The myopia epidemic can have various consequences, including the need for increased healthcare resources to treat and manage myopia, potential economic impacts due to decreased productivity, and long-term effects on eye health such as a higher risk of developing eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma.