Myopia

This is from an article in the Eye Care Professional, March 2010 by Jim Magay RDO


Myopia is on the increase around the world. In Taiwan 80% of young adults are myopic. In the United States 25% of the population is myopic, but 40% of under grads are myopic.

Research has failed to show a genetic link, and reading and close work likewise have proven inconclusive. So why is myopia on the increase?

Out of all the prospective causative factors, the one thing that stands out is the amount of time a child spends out of doors. Children are spending more time indoors with electronic gadgets. There seem to be two reasons being outdoors reduces the incidence of myopia. One is exposure to brightness. Dr. David Williams (Alternatives Feb 2010) believes increased exposure to various beneficial wavelengths of light would be a major factor.

The second factor is the change of focus that being outdoors causes. Dr. Williams states, “When we look out over large open spaces all objects are far enough away that the entire image on the retina is completely in focus. At other times, the image in the center of the retina might be in focus but peripheral vision is blurred.”

So be sure your child has lots of time outdoors and has the opportunity to enjoy sunrises and sunsets.