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TED Radio Hour

Body Electric Part 3: Why Our Eyes Are Elongating

Oct 17, 2023
Maria Liu, an optometrist, discusses the rising rates of myopia in children and her efforts to slow down its progression. The podcast explores the causes and complications of myopia, the growth processes of eyeballs, and the impact of behavior and lifestyle habits on visual system development. It also discusses the optimal lifestyle for healthy eyesight in babies and a project with Columbia Medical Center to reduce screen time and encourage movement.
24:12

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Excessive screen time and reduced outdoor activities contribute to the increasing rates of myopia in children worldwide.
  • Ortho-k contact lenses offered at the Myopia Control Clinic can reshape the eyeballs and slow down the progression of myopia, highlighting the importance of exploring alternative treatments beyond glasses.

Deep dives

The Rise in Myopia Cases

The podcast explores the increasing rates of myopia, or nearsightedness, in children around the world, including China where 80% of teens are nearsighted. Previously thought to be primarily a genetic condition, experts now believe that excessive screen time and reduced outdoor activities are contributing factors.

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