Identifying the causes of nearsightedness

Screen use and limited time outdoors strongly influence how nearsightedness develops, says UCI Health expert

IN THE NEWS: The rate of nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is increasing worldwide. It’s estimated that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population will be nearsighted, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

While there are many genetic and environmental factors that affect a person’s vision, a new study suggests that dim lighting can also contribute to nearsightedness. Dr. Donny Suh, chief of pediatric ophthalmology at the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, recently spoke with Real Simple, sharing eye health tips. He was not involved with the study.

“Children with nearsighted parents are at higher risk, but lifestyle factors — like screen use and time outdoors — strongly influence how it develops.”

Suh says that known environmental causes of nearsightedness include:

• Limited time outdoors
• Doing close-up work prolonged periods
• Excessive blue light and screen exposure
• Urban environments

For those using screens for prolonged periods, Suh shares the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to “reset” your eye muscles.

Suh is a board-certified UCI Health ophthalmologist who specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. His clinical interests are focused on pediatric eye conditions and developing devices to improve safety and precision during eye surgery.

As a professor of ophthalmology at the UC Irvine School of Medicine, Suh has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles in major journals, as well as chapters in major textbooks. As a longtime member and current chair-elect of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he has helped establish guidelines for pediatric eye care. Suh has also volunteered on medical missions to provide eye care and train local physicians in Africa, Asia, Europe and South America since 2000.