Myopia (also known as nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common. In just two decades the proportion of Americans who are nearsighted has increased by 11% to include about 36% of the population.
A new study published in Ophthalmology reveals a possible connection between early life and the development of myopia. Several factors were found to contribute to the development of nearsightedness:
- the age of the mother at birth (rates of myopia in children increase when moms are over 35);
- birth weight (tinier babies are more likely to eventually develop myopia); and
- maternal smoking in early pregnancy (children of moms who smoked are twice as likely to develop severe myopia).
Source:medscape.com
The study authors also note that kids who do lots of close work (including reading) at a young age are much more likely to become nearsighted.
The good news is that a condition like myopia is reversible. Learn more at our website.