Nearsightedness (Myopia)
What Increases Your Risk
Asians and people who have a family history of nearsightedness are at increased risk for nearsightedness. Women have a greater risk for high myopia, or severe nearsightedness, than men do.
Premature babies, especially babies who have retinopathy of prematurity, are more likely to develop nearsightedness. A number of inherited eye and other diseases increase the risk of nearsightedness.
Research has indicated a link between close work, such as reading, and the development and progression of nearsightedness. One study showed that people in professions that involve extensive reading have higher degrees of nearsightedness.2
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| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: August 22, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine | |
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