Experts ponder the rising rate of myopia

December 22, 2009

The eye care world has been buzzing after a recent study conducted by the National Eye Institute (NEI) revealed that the rate of nearsighted Americans has risen from 25 percent in the 1970s to 41 percent today.

The sharp jump in myopia has led some experts to question what causes and exacerbates the refractive error.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), prolonged activity without a break can make it difficult for eyes to focus correctly and can lead to vision problems. Because children often spend hours performing activities they enjoy, like video games, it might be wise for parents to intervene.

Experts recommend urging children to find a balance between time indoors and outdoors.

According to Good Morning America, the NEI has earmarked $110 towards future studies on the condition.

In addition to becoming a nearsighted population, many Americans experience the effects of computer vision syndrome (CVS). Office workers who spend much of their day starring at computer screens might find that they have blurred near vision, as well as a host of other symptoms including dry or irritated eyes, neck and back aches or double vision, the AOA reports.