Certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing near-sightedness. If one of your parents is short-sighted, your risk of developing the condition is increased. The risk is higher if both parents are short-sighted. Prolonged reading or other close-up activities. Screen time — using computers or smart devices for long periods increases the risk of developing short-sightedness. Lack of time spent outdoors.
Myopia typically begins in childhood, but it can also develop in middle age, even if you've had no prior vision issues. As your distance vision gradually blurs, you may not immediately notice that your sight is less clear than others’. You might find yourself squinting to improve focus, which can often lead to headaches.
Myopia Action Month raises awareness about myopia (short-sightedness) and its impact on eye health. Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This month, our focus is on encouraging regular eye check-ups and promoting strategies to slow down the progression of myopia. There is an increasing prevalence of myopia worldwide, particularly among young people. Increased screen time, reduced outdoor activities, and genetic predisposition contribute to this rise.