The world is facing an alarming increase in myopia, as discussed in an article titled “The World is Going Blind” on Wired. This rise in near-sightedness, especially in Asia, is causing concern, with severe cases potentially leading to blindness. Shockingly, about 90% of teenagers and young adults in China are myopic, a significant increase from just 10% in the 1950s. Taiwan is also experiencing a high incidence, with 90% of high school students suffering from myopia. While rates in the US and Europe are lower, they are still on the rise. It appears that Asia is ahead of the curve in this epidemic. According to Amit Katwala, by 2050, half of the global population will require glasses, contacts, or even surgery to see long distances. In Japan, China, and Taiwan, high myopia is now the leading cause of blindness.
The question is, why is this happening? One might assume that excessive smartphone usage is to blame, but the trend predates their widespread use. The Wired article draws on Australian research to suggest that spending too much time indoors, including in classrooms, may be a significant factor. The science behind this links sunlight exposure to the release of dopamine from the retina, with insufficient outdoor time interrupting this natural process. The solution, as Katwala proposes, may be simple and cost-effective – schools should prioritize outdoor activities for children. Moreover, starting this practice at a younger age seems to yield better results. Although technology and industrialization might have contributed to the myopia problem, the solution lies in something as straightforward as going outside. To learn more about this issue, read the full story on Wired, or explore other longforms.
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