What are the risk factors for myopia?

Myopia, a condition of sight that affects the visual field and the ability to see at a distance, has become a growing concern in the modern world. 

While ophthalmology experts agree on the role of genetics in the development of this visual defect, there are also a range of environmental risk factors that can influence its progression. 

Understanding these risk factors for myopia is essential to take effective ophthalmological preventive measures.

In this COP9 article, we will explore some of the main risk factors for myopia in detail.

Risk factors for myopia:

a brief reminder of myopia

Myopia is a common refractive disorder that is characterized by discomfort in seeing distant objects clearly: the eyeball is too long!

 

For people with myopia, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of being focused directly on the retina, with an excessive increase in the curvature of the cornea by one or more diopters of the eye.

 

This visual disorder is often caused by excessive elongation of the anterior-posterior axis of the eyeball, resulting in a blurred image of distant objects. 


There are therefore several risk factors for myopia that can increase the likelihood of developing this vision defect.

Risk Factors for Myopia: Family Genetics

A family history of myopia may play an important role, as this condition has a hereditary component. Children whose parents have myopia are more likely to have myopia as well.

Risk factors for myopia:

the visual environment

The visual environment in which a person spends most of their time can have a significant impact on the development of myopia.

 

Spending too much time reading, working on a computer or using screens can be harmful to the eyes, especially in young people whose eyes are still developing. 

 

Finally, other environmental factors such as poor vision habits, such as reading in low light conditions or while lying down, can also contribute to the development of this visual disorder. 

Risk factors for myopia: exposure to natural light

Among the risk factors for myopia, a lack of exposure to natural light can impact eye growth.

Studies have shown that exposure to natural light plays a protective role against the development of this vision disorder.

Children who spend more time outdoors have been linked to a reduced risk of becoming myopic. It is therefore crucial to encourage outdoor activities from a young age to promote visual health and reduce eye fatigue.

It is therefore important to maintain good visual practices to preserve your field of vision, but also to prevent or limit the risks of this ocular anomaly!

Risk factors for myopia:

consult regularly!

It is essential to regularly consult an ophthalmologist for early detection of myopia, so that distance vision can be corrected and long-term complications avoided. 

 

Regular eye exams make it possible to detect any vision problems, correct visual defects and adapt the necessary optical corrections. For myopic children, slowing optical corrections exist, whether by wearing glasses or contact lenses. 


Consider an ophthalmological consultation for personalized advice on myopia prevention and treatment, and be sure to get regular eye exams to catch any other visual acuity problems as they arise.

En conclusion

There are therefore several risk factors for myopia: a combination of genetic predispositions and environmental factors can contribute to the progression of the condition. 

 

By understanding these elements, it is possible to take preventative measures such as limiting exposure to screens, encouraging outdoor activities, and promoting adequate exposure to natural light to protect eye health. Don’t forget to make an appointment with your ophthalmologist regularly!


To learn more about visual health and other related topics (glaucoma, cataracts, presbyopia, astigmatism, hyperopia, strabismus, etc.), visit our website and our social networks!

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