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Why am I nearsighted? Why does my vision keep changing? Shouldn’t my vision be stable by now? These are commonly asked questions that we, as eye doctors are asked on a daily basis. The answers are not necessarily clear cut, as there is no consensus opinion as to the cause and course of nearsightedness (Myopia). It is estimated that up to 1/3 of the population of the U.S. is myopic. Extensive studies have been conducted in this area that attempt to determine the exact cause of myopia. It is thought that heredity plays an important role in the development of myopia. In other words, if a parent or parents of a child are nearsighted, there is a very good chance the child will be nearsighted. What about the role of the environment? How do environmental factors, such as reading, computer work, PDA usage and excessive video game playing effect vision? Some studies suggest that environment plays a role in myopia development and progression. Recently, a study found less myopia in a group of children that spent more hours per week playing and performing outdoor activities, while reading as much if not more than a similar group of children who spent much less time outdoors. (Singapore Cohort Study, 2008).
Most likely, heredity is a key factor in the development of myopia. However, environmental factors probably combine with heredity in the development and progression of this prevalent condition. Can anything be done about your heredity? A search of the literature indicates that research is being done in this area. Perhaps someday, this factor will be changeable. What can be done to stop myopia from worsening? A study done earlier this year indicates that bifocals may slow the progression of myopia in children, however more studies need to be done.
Fortunately, we live in a time when poor vision due to myopia can be managed with the prescription of eye glasses and/ or contact lenses, which allow nearsighted individuals to see and function. Lasik and other forms of refractive surgery are also options for “correcting” myopia.
It’s difficult to imagine living in a time or a place when good eye care and these corrective options did not exist. One might think that this is a reference to the distant past. However, presently, in some countries in other parts of the world, myopia is a leading cause of blindness, due to lack of access to eye care. This is an issue of high priority for the World Health Organization.
Don’t take your eyes and your vision for granted. Make sure that you are seeing your best! Be sure to have annual eye examinations!
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