Why does myopia occur?

It's not known what causes myopia (being short sighted), research suggests there could be a number of different reasons for it to develop. Some environmental causes of myopia in children have also been studied. Factors that are thought to increase the risk of myopia are too little time spent outdoors and excessive close work. Myopia does run in families so its thought to be partly genetic. Children who have one parent with myopia have a higher chance of developing myopia. This chance increases if both parents have myopia.

Other conditions such as diabetes and cataracts can also cause myopia.

For further information on myopia see What is myopia and pathological myopia?

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