Currently an estimated 2.3 billion people need vision correction of some sort, which is more than ever before. Experts have been conducting studies to determine what the underlying causes may be. However, vision correcting companies and brands increasingly profit while vision continues to worsen.
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, has become extremely prevalent. Typically people are diagnosed before the age of twenty, but numbers for school-aged children are increasing rapidly. With approximately forty percent of people in the United States having myopia, the symptoms are viewed as normal by some.
Symptoms of myopia include difficulty seeing things far away, headaches, eye strain, squinting and more. Some extreme cases of myopia cannot be corrected by glasses or contacts, leaving some in concerning situations.
While some people say myopia is solely determined by genetics, it can be triggered by other environmental factors as well. If someone uses their eyes for a lot of close up work, such as reading or working on a computer, they have higher chances of developing or worsening myopia.
Additionally, not spending enough time outdoors may also increase one’s chances of acquiring myopia. It is suggested to maintain a lower amount of screen time and spend supplemental time outdoors when possible, to lower risk of developing myopia. Students understand the correlation between screen time and worsening vision especially. “I truly do believe that screen time contributes to a need for glasses. When I started spending a lot of time on my computer as a child, I found I needed glasses shortly after,” said senior Grace Ruedy.
There is a certain area of the market benefiting from increasing vision problems. The eyewear market has steadily increased over time and is expected to continue to reach higher. “Before this year when we had a doctor, we were getting lots of business and more people buying glasses because a lot of people were coming in here and making appointments with the doctor and so we were selling tons of glasses,” said Walmart Eye & Vision store manager. Eye exams and other related appointments are oftentimes notorious for being booked up far in advance, and with the growing trends, it is likely to worsen.
To remain out of 2050 projections that fifty percent of the world population will be nearsighted, experts urge people to take precautions. Many are unaware of the potential effects on vision that could hinder the development of eyesight or intensify myopia. Raising awareness about effects of extensive screen time and other damaging factors could largely benefit the younger generation which is getting diagnosed at a quicker rate.
