How to maintain good vision amidst the myopia epidemic
13 days ago
- #myopia epidemic
- #eye health
- #digital screens
- Myopia (nearsightedness) is an epidemic, with 50% of the world projected to need glasses by 2050.
- High myopia (stronger than -5.00D) increases risks of retinal detachments, cataracts, and complete vision loss.
- Our visual system focuses light precisely on the retina; myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, causing light to converge before the retina.
- Environmental factors like reduced outdoor time and excessive near work (e.g., screen use) are major contributors to myopia.
- Screens strain eyes due to indoor use, near-distance focus, and lack of depth perception, leading to computer vision syndrome.
- Preventative measures include 2 hours of daily outdoor time and the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
- Corrective options (glasses, contacts, LASIK) improve vision but don’t address the underlying eye elongation in myopia.
- Claims about reversing myopia exist but lack clinical validation; the scientific community remains skeptical.
- The rise in myopia correlates with increased screen time and lifestyle changes over the past 50 years.