The Nearsightedness Epidemic
While not the kind of epidemic you're used to hearing about, nearsightedness is becoming a major health issue in many places. Learn about how scientists are finding out the reasons behind the...
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When you hear about epidemics, it usually has to do with some frightening virus like HIV or Ebola. So when scientists in the know start talking about an epidemic of nearsightedness, it probably sounds … strange. I mean, how can something that isn’t infectious or contagious become an epidemic? And yet: The prevalence of nearsightedness in the US is pushing 40 to 50% among young people. And that’s nothing compared to parts of East Asia -- particularly Singapore, China, Japan, and Korea -- where nearsightedness among high-school-age children is at 80% or more. Is it because kids these days have too much homework? Or is technology to blame? Are iPads ruining our children?! New research suggests the cause of nearsightedness might not be peering too cl...
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When you hear about epidemics, it usually has to do with some frightening virus like HIV or Ebola. So when scientists in the know start talking about an epidemic of nearsightedness, it probably sounds … strange. I mean, how can something that isn’t infectious or contagious become an epidemic? And yet: The prevalence of nearsightedness in the US is pushing 40 to 50% among young people. And that’s nothing compared to parts of East Asia -- particularly Singapore, China, Japan, and Korea -- where nearsightedness among high-school-age children is at 80% or more. Is it because kids these days have too much homework? Or is technology to blame? Are iPads ruining our children?! New research suggests the cause of nearsightedness might not be peering too cl...
