Myopia Epidemic: Will We All Wear Glasses in 2030s-50s?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the increasing prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) and whether this trend will lead to widespread glasses usage in the coming decades. Participants explore various factors contributing to myopia, including lifestyle changes, environmental influences, and genetic predispositions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a source suggesting that myopia is reaching epidemic levels and question whether this will result in widespread glasses usage in the future.
  • One participant shares personal experience, noting a decline in eyesight correlated with increased screen time from computers and phones.
  • Another participant cites research attributing the rise in myopia to environmental factors, particularly reduced outdoor activity and increased near work, challenging the notion that myopia is solely genetic.
  • Several participants express surprise at the idea that lifestyle choices can influence the development of myopia, with some sharing personal family histories of vision issues.
  • There are suggestions to limit computer usage to mitigate eye strain, with one participant humorously advising to stay away from forums.
  • Another participant discusses their own vision changes over time, noting a transition from good vision to hyperopia, while reflecting on the lack of technology in their youth.
  • A participant in their early 60s mentions needing glasses primarily for reading small print, attributing their eyesight to a childhood spent outdoors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the causes of myopia, with some emphasizing environmental factors while others highlight genetic influences. There is no consensus on the primary cause of the increase in myopia or the implications for future glasses usage.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various studies and personal anecdotes, but there are unresolved questions regarding the interplay of genetic and environmental factors in the development of myopia. The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and scientific claims without definitive conclusions.

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I can't speak for others but I have definitely noticed that my eyesight got worse as I spend more time working on computer and phone. I wear glasses.
 
The rapid increase in the prevalence of myopia globally is attributed to, "environmental factors (nurture), principally lifestyle changes resulting from a combination of decreased time outdoors and increased near work activities, among other factors," say the authors from Brien Holden Vision Institute, University of New South Wales Australia and Singapore Eye Research Institute.
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.
 
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Try to stay away from the forums! 1-2 hours a day! :biggrin:
Computer usage should be limited!
 
zoobyshoe said:
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.
Three of my six siblings were born with myopia, as far as I can remember.
The rest of us, had fully functioning eyes, and only developed hyperopia, in later life.
Personally, I was told that I had better than good vision in both eyes (20/15).
But then, when I was about 20, I developed hyperopia within a 6 month period.

But I'm nearly 60, and cell-phone-ish things weren't available back then.

hmmm...
 
I am in my early 60s and consider my eye sight okay, it is only the small print on documents that is hard for me to see, i guess in my early days i was all ways outside
so do i need glasses yes i think so for small print and my i phone.
 

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