How our tech habits are causing our eyes to elongate which causes myopia

What is myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common eye condition that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. It is caused by the eyeball being too long or the cornea being too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it, resulting in blurred vision.

How is myopia related to our tech habits?

Our tech habits are playing an increasing role in the development of myopia, especially among children and young adults. This is because we are spending more and more time looking at close-up objects, such as smartphones, tablets, and computer screens.

When we focus on close-up objects, our eyes have to work harder to focus. This can cause the muscles in our eyes to strain, which can lead to the eyeball elongating. Over time, this elongation can cause myopia.

What are the risks of myopia?

Myopia is a relatively harmless condition for most people. However, it can increase the risk of developing other eye problems later in life, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Myopia can also make it difficult to perform certain activities, such as driving, playing sports, and reading. It can also be a social inconvenience, as people with myopia often have to wear glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.

How can we protect our eyes from myopia?

There are a few things we can do to protect our eyes from myopia, especially for children and young adults:

        ·         Limit screen time. It is important to limit the amount of time we spend looking at close-up objects, such as smartphones, tablets, and computer screens. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that children under 18 spend no more than two hours per day on screen time.

        ·         Take breaks. When we are using screens, it is important to take breaks every 20 minutes to look at a distant object for at least 20 seconds. This helps to relax the muscles in our eyes and prevent eye strain.

        ·         Increase outdoor time. Spending time outdoors has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia. This is because sunlight helps to stimulate the production of dopamine, a chemical that helps to regulate the growth of the eyeball.

What other treatments are available for myopia?

There are a number of treatments available for myopia, including:

        ·         Glasses and contact lenses. Glasses and contact lenses can be used to correct blurred vision caused by myopia.

        ·         Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology is a type of contact lens therapy that is used to reshape the cornea while people are asleep. This can help to improve vision during the day.

        ·         Surgery. There are a number of surgical procedures that can be used to correct myopia, such as LASIK and PRK. These procedures are typically reserved for adults who have stable vision and do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses.

Keep in mind

        ·         Myopia is a progressive condition. This means that it typically gets worse over time. However, the rate of progression can vary from person to person.

        ·         Myopia is more likely to develop in children with a family history of the condition.

        ·         Myopia is more common in people who spend a lot of time indoors.

        ·         Myopia can be diagnosed during a routine eye exam.

If you are concerned about myopia, talk to your eye doctor. They can help you to develop a plan to protect your eyes and manage your condition.

Tips for protecting your eyes from myopia:

        ·         Use a computer monitor that is at least 18 inches away from your eyes.

        ·         Adjust the brightness and contrast of your screens so that they are comfortable for your eyes.

        ·         Use a blue light filter on your screens to reduce eye strain.

        ·         Take breaks every 20 minutes to look at a distant object for at least 20 seconds.

        ·         Get regular eye exams.

Myopia in children

Myopia is becoming increasingly common in children. This is likely due to a number of factors, including increased screen time and less time spent outdoors.

There are a number of things parents can do to help protect their children from myopia:

        ·         Limit screen time. Children under 18 should spend no more than two hours per day on screen time.

        ·         Encourage outdoor time. Children should spend at least two hours per day outdoors.

        ·         Take breaks. When children are using screens, they should take breaks every 20 minutes to look at a distant object for at least 20 seconds.

        ·         Get regular eye exams. Children should have their eyes examined every year, starting at age 3.

Myopia and the workplace

Myopia can also be a problem in the workplace. People with myopia may have difficulty seeing distant objects, such as computer monitors and whiteboards. This can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.

There are a number of things that employers can do to help employees with myopia:

        ·         Provide ergonomic workstations. This includes adjustable chairs, monitors, and keyboards.

        ·         Allow employees to take breaks. Employees should be allowed to take breaks every 20 minutes to look at a distant object for at least 20 seconds.

        ·         Encourage employees to wear computer glasses. Computer glasses can help to reduce eye strain and fatigue.