Body Electric Part 3: Why Our Eyes Are Elongating | TED Radio Hour

Intro

In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, titled “Body Electric Part 3: Why Our Eyes Are Elongating,” we explore the increasing rates of myopia, or near-sightedness, especially in children. Experts discuss the factors contributing to this rise and the innovative treatments available to correct and control myopia. We also learn about the importance of taking care of our eyesight and incorporating movement breaks throughout the day to combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Main Takeaways

The Rise of Myopia

• Rates of myopia in kids are soaring around the world, with 80% of teens and young adults in China being near-sighted.
• Experts agree that something other than genetics is causing this increase in myopia, with debates pointing to factors such as too much screen time and time spent indoors.
• Early introduction of electronic devices and reduced outdoor time can trigger near-sightedness.
• Optometry schools have taught that myopia is genetic, but it doesn’t always run in families.
• Encouraging children to play with real toys and spend time outdoors can help prevent myopia.

Treatments for Myopia

• Special lenses that gently reshape the eyeballs back to their spherical shape are being used to correct myopia in children, with promising results.
• The Myopia Control Clinic at Berkeley offers a variety of treatments to help slow down the progression of myopia and correct vision problems beyond just glasses.
• Myopia control clinics are becoming more popular, especially among Asian parents.
• Myopia control treatments can be expensive, but disease awareness is improving.
• Early intervention can help control myopia and reduce the risk of complications.

The Importance of Eye Care

• Our visual system, specifically our eyeballs, go through precise growth after birth.
• Maria’s goal is to educate people on myopia control and the importance of taking care of our eyesight.
• Myopia causes our eyeballs to elongate, making it harder to focus on things far away.
• Kids as young as four or five years old are becoming myopic, which is earlier than in the past.
• Myopia is becoming more common in younger children, with risks of complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Movement Breaks and Eye Health

• Sitting for long periods of time can lead to a decrease in circulation and an increase in the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
• Taking breaks after sustained periods of near work is most effective in preventing myopia.
• Parents need to set good examples for their children by limiting their own screen time.
• The Chinese government has seen success in reducing myopia rates in children by encouraging outdoor activities.
• Columbia Medical Center’s project to get people off screens and moving their bodies has over 20,000 participants and is showing positive results.

Summary

The Rise of Myopia

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is becoming increasingly common, especially in children, and can lead to dangerous vision problems later in life. Rates of myopia in kids are soaring around the world, with 80% of teens and young adults in China being near-sighted. Experts agree that something other than genetics is causing this increase, with debates pointing to factors such as too much screen time and time spent indoors. Early introduction of electronic devices and reduced outdoor time can trigger near-sightedness. Optometry schools have taught that myopia is genetic, but it doesn’t always run in families. Encouraging children to play with real toys and spend time outdoors can help prevent myopia.

Treatments for Myopia

Special lenses that gently reshape the eyeballs back to their spherical shape are being used to correct myopia in children, with promising results. The Myopia Control Clinic at Berkeley offers a variety of treatments to help slow down the progression of myopia and correct vision problems beyond just glasses. These myopia control clinics are becoming more popular, especially among Asian parents. Although the treatments can be expensive, disease awareness is improving, and early intervention can help control myopia and reduce the risk of complications.

The Importance of Eye Care

Our visual system, specifically our eyeballs, go through precise growth after birth. Myopia causes our eyeballs to elongate, making it harder to focus on things far away. Kids as young as four or five years old are becoming myopic, which is earlier than in the past. Myopia is becoming more common in younger children, with risks of complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. Dr. Maria Liu, a professor at UC Berkeley, specializes in ophthalmology and has an obsession with nearsightedness. Her goal is to educate people on myopia control and the importance of taking care of our eyesight.

Movement Breaks and Eye Health

Sitting for long periods of time can lead to a decrease in circulation and an increase in the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Taking breaks after sustained periods of near work is most effective in preventing myopia. Parents need to set good examples for their children by limiting their own screen time. The Chinese government has seen success in reducing myopia rates in children by encouraging outdoor activities. Columbia Medical Center’s project to get people off screens and moving their bodies has over 20,000 participants and is showing positive results. Incorporating movement breaks throughout the day can help combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting and improve overall eye health.

Conclusion

The rise of myopia, especially in children, is a growing concern worldwide. However, there are treatments available to correct and control myopia, such as special lenses and myopia control clinics. It is crucial to prioritize eye care and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, incorporating movement breaks throughout the day can not only benefit eye health but also overall well-being. By being mindful of our screen time and encouraging outdoor activities, we can take proactive steps to protect our eyes and lead healthier lives.