A new study links short-sightedness (myopia) to higher education and more time spent in school.
The study conducted by German researchers is the first to show in a population sample that environmental factors might overshadow genetics in the development of myopia.
According to recent statistics, the prevalence of myopia is rapidly increasing across the world. Experts say the situation is of concern as more myopia rates means increased global health and economic troubles.
Statistics show that around 42 percent of Americans and up to 80 percent of people in certain developed Asian countries have short-sightedness. This suggests that environmental factors can considerably influence the risk of visual impairment.
For the current study, researchers examined 4,658 Germans aged between 35 and 74. The team did not include those with cataract or who underwent refractive surgery.
The research analysis showed that nearsightedness increased with education level. For instance, 24 percent of participants with no high school education or other training were nearsighted. However, 35 percent of high school and vocational school graduates and 53 percent of university graduates suffered from myopia.
According to the researchers, the findings are of concern as people with severe myopia are more likely to suffer retinal detachment, myopic macular degeneration, premature cataracts and glaucoma.
Past researches have stated that work, outdoor activity, education and urban environments are commonly associated with myopia.
"Since students appear to be at a higher risk of nearsightedness, it makes sense to encourage them to spend more time outdoors as a precaution," lead researcher Dr. Alireza Mirshahi, said in a press release.
The findings were published in the journal Ophthalmology.
