A possible, evidence-based model of myopia development
The increase in myopia prevalence has been very rapid, occurring over a period of time too short to be explained by genetic influences alone. This leads to the unavoidable conclusion that eye growth is being impacted by environmental influences. Most notably, the roles of human behaviors surrounding near work and outdoor activity have been investigated as possible risk and protective factors, respectively. While this idea is not new, with a large body of data collected using subjective questionnaires to gather information about human behaviors has been gathered, extending back over a century, strong risk factors have remained elusive. Our work is focused on trying to capture objective comprehensive and dynamic data using wearable technologies. As one example, our Childhood and Activity Myopia (CAM) Study is focused on better understanding the roles of habitual indoor and outdoor visual environments in children in the development and progression of myopia.
