Currently, a quarter of the world’s population has some degree of nearsightedness (myopia), but it’s estimated that by 2025, that figure will rise to 50%, notes Dr. Denise Loya García, ophthalmology specialist at ABC Medical Center.
Mexico’s Ministry of Health notes that, according to data from the 2020 Population and Housing Census by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), 2.691 million people in Mexico live with vision impairment caused by eye conditions such as refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia), age-related cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal opacity.
Myopia is a refractive eye condition and one of the most common vision problems. It occurs when the eyeball grows abnormally, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision.
There are three main causes behind the development of this condition:
- Genetics: this is the most significant factor in developing myopia, having one or more family members with the condition greatly increases the likelihood of developing it over time.
- Technology: another major risk factor is technology use. Today, it’s extremely common to spend long hours in front of electronic devices like computers, screens, or phones. This increases strain on the muscles around the eye, contributing to abnormal eyeball growth.
- Reduced time outdoors: another growing risk factor is spending less time outside. Being outdoors naturally encourages looking at distant objects, which helps lower the risk of myopia. Today, it’s much more common to focus on things up close, largely due to these devices.
Preventing Myopia
Dr. Loya notes that there are steps we can take to help prevent or slow the progression of myopia.
One helpful tool is the “20-20-20 rule,” which recommends that for every 20 minutes spent focused on a screen, book, or anything close-up, you should take a 20-second break and look at an object about 20 feet away (roughly 6 meters). Once you’ve found that object, blink a few times before returning to your activity.
Remember that eye health is as important as the health of any other part of the body.
At the Conde de Valenciana ABC Institute of Ophthalmology, part of ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
