A study questions whether screens are the main cause of myopia.

BarcelonaMyopia has skyrocketed in recent decades and has become a global problem. Around the year 2000, it affected approximately 23% of the world's population, but projections indicate that by 2050 almost half of humanity could be myopic. In any case, this rapid increase in myopia may have more to do with how we use our eyes indoors than with screen use. This is according to a study by [the relevant organization/institution]. SUNY College of OptometryPublished in the journal Cell Reports. Specifically, the researchers explain that looking very closely in low-light environments causes the retina to receive less stimulation, which could contribute to myopia.

For years, myopia has been attributed to spending too much time in front of screensBut research suggests that the habit of looking at close objects—books, phones, tablets—in dim light is a key factor. When we focus on these objects, the pupil constricts to see better, but this lets less light into the eye and can affect how it processes visual information. According to José Manuel Alonso, the lead researcher on the study, "one factor in myopia could be the amount of light the eye receives while focusing on close objects for extended periods," he says. He also emphasizes that the most important period to try to reduce the risk of myopia is between the ages of 5 and 20, "from when children learn to read until eye development is complete."

"Near-epidemic levels"

The rise in myopia is especially alarming among people aged 18 to 35, with rates reaching 50% in the United States and Europe, and as high as 90% in some parts of East Asia. "It has reached almost epidemic levels, and we still don't understand why," says Alonso. Although genetics plays a role, the rapid increase clearly points to environmental factors. Even so, researchers emphasize that light is not the only cause. "It's not a definitive answer, but a hypothesis based on measurable physiology," says Alonso. Besides combining close work with low artificial light, the research also explains why spending more time outdoors protects against myopia and allows more light to reach the retina, reducing focusing effort. Interestingly, in a digital world, the key might not be turning off screens, but simply having more light at home. Meanwhile, the advice from professionals is clear: read in good light, take advantage of natural light, take breaks when looking at close-up material, and spend time outdoors, especially children and teenagers.