Discussion on the increasing rates of nearsightedness worldwide and potential factors contributing to it such as excessive screen time and lack of outdoor activities. Exploring solutions for eye problems including reducing screen time and increasing outdoor activities. Exploring new treatments for myopia control such as eye drops, special contact lenses, and ortho K lenses. Speculation on the benefits of understanding the cause of myopia.
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Quick takeaways
The rise in myopia worldwide is attributed to factors such as excessive screen time and lack of outdoor activities.
Myopia control treatments, like atropine eye drops and special contact lenses, show promise in slowing down the progression of myopia.
Deep dives
Rethinking School Punishment: Students Advocate for Restorative Justice Methods
On the latest episode of Into the Mix, high school students in Des Moines take a stand against punitive disciplinary measures and advocate for the implementation of restorative justice methods. By gathering testimonials, compiling data on in-school arrest rates, and collaborating with teachers unions, the students successfully prompt their school district to replace on-site law enforcement with counselors trained in restorative justice techniques.
The Rising Epidemic of Myopia: Why Our Eyesight Is Getting Worse
Recent research suggests that myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise worldwide. Notably, more than 90% of teenagers in some Asian countries require glasses. This trend is not limited to Asia, as myopia rates have also increased in the US. The exact cause of this surge in myopia remains unknown, but theories include excessive screen time, lack of outdoor activities, and failing to focus on objects in the distance. While interventions like glasses and laser eye surgery help with vision correction, they do not address the underlying anatomical problem of the elongated eyeball. However, new treatments called myopia control, such as atropine eye drops and special contact lenses, show promise in slowing the progression of myopia.
The Controversy and Uncertainty Surrounding Myopia Research
Despite the increasing prevalence of myopia, there is still much debate and uncertainty within the scientific community regarding its exact causes. While excessive screen time and lack of outdoor exposure seem plausible reasons, studies have shown inconsistent correlations. Conducting research on animals is challenging due to artificial laboratory conditions and difficulties in extrapolating results to humans. Nevertheless, the growing knowledge about myopia is driving recommendations to reduce screen time and increase outdoor activities. Moreover, advancements in myopia control treatments offer potential solutions for managing and slowing down the progression of myopia.