Farsightedness is on the rise in children – and researchers are still trying to grasp why.

There is myopia. On the rise. In the UK, the number of kids with myopia is Doubled in the last 50 years. Globally, this is predicted by 2050. Half of the world's population will likely be myopic.

Although myopia – also called nearsightedness or nearsightedness – can occur. Run in familiesEnvironmental aspects, akin to spending an excessive amount of time indoors, have a serious impact. For most individuals, myopia develops from a mixture of each genetic and environmental aspects. But while evidence suggests that modern lifestyle aspects contribute to myopia, scientists still aren't entirely sure why.

For example, research shows that the period of time a toddler spends outdoors can play a job. Risk of developing myopia. Not only do most studies show that children who Spend more time outside They are less more likely to develop myopia, studies show, as children spend additional time outdoors during school hours. Decreased rate of onset of myopia in comparison with children who don't spend additional time outdoors.

But researchers aren't entirely sure yet. Why is this the case?. A theory This is because high levels of outside light release more dopamine in our retinal receptors (the nerves that process light signals in the attention). Thus protecting against myopia. Another suggestion is that more physical activity in children often prevents myopia from being outdoors. But studies show that it's a little The effect.

It has also been suggested that the various patterns and details we see in outdoor versus indoor spaces may explain the rise in myopia. For example, one study found that abundance of Simple features and walls. Indoor environment is charged. This can also be why myopia tends to occur. More common in urban areasHowever, more research is required to grasp this.

Modern lifestyle

However, modern lifestyles often require us to spend more time indoors. For example, children are spending more time in formal education because of rising school-leaving ages and more people pursuing higher education, which is evidenced by May cause myopia. However, it shouldn't be yet known which features of formal education are causing the rise in myopia. Long hours of reading, close learning, spending time indoors and increased screen use can all be accountable.

While one study suggests distance reading. Closer than 25 cm There could also be a risk of developing myopia, reading could also be just one. Small effect On progressive myopia.

Excessive screen use also has an effect on myopia in children. Mixed results – perhaps since it is difficult to predict and control screen use in a long-term experiment. Regardless, more research is required to grasp if excessive screen use is accountable for the high rates of myopia, and why.

Given the chance aspects for developing myopia, there are actually concerns that stay-at-home orders and residential learning through the pandemic may Children's eyesight is impaired. Although no studies have yet been conducted on the results on children within the UK, preliminary findings elsewhere suggest that the pandemic can have caused more children. Development of myopia – but that's to be expected The effects will be small. Whether this pandemic will result in a everlasting increase in myopia also stays to be seen.

Currently, one of the best advice to limit the chance of developing myopia is to spend time outdoors. Even for 40 minutes a day.