MYOPIA AND COMPUTER VISION SYNDROME
half of the world's population is expected to have myopia by 2050
What is Myopia?
Myopia is also known as nearsightness and occurs when the eyeball undergoes abnormal elongation, resulting in blurred vision. The condition is said to be influenced by a variety of environmental and genetic risk factors, but it often begins during childhood and worsens into adulthood. Severe forms of myopia can result in serious vision problems (e.g., dry eye syndrome, , thereby neccesitating that we make efforts to control progression of this increasingly prevalent illness in the world population. The opposite of myopia is hyperopia (far-sighteness), which is generally more common in adults.
THE PARADOX OF DIGITAL DEVICES
WHY TECH CAN INDUCE MYOPIA
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the life of the modern person by connecting us with the outside world. However, research has shown that use of digital technology at an early age over extended periods of time can actually accelerate myopia progression. Technology can take away from valuable bonding time with friends, family, and our natural surroundings. However, technology is also used everywhere: in schools, workplace, industry, and gaming. It remains pertinent for individuals to take control of their digital habits in the new modern tech era to prevent digital eye strain and pain (a.k.a. computer vision syndrome), no matter how hard it may be to do so.
MISSION OBJECTIVES:
The VAI is primarily focused on:
Spreading the word about safe digital use habits (especially among youth) for limiting myopia progression
Endorsing guidelines for preventing significant long-term consequences from the illness
Supporting organizations that conduct research for the discovery of a myopia cure
RESEARCH
We support multiple organizations conducting myopia research and aim to promote their causes through our own research initiatives and campaigns
AWARENESS
We promote awareness in our local communities through guest speaker presentations, organized events, and more!
ACTION
We encourage young voices to take greater responsibility over their digital habits to prevent exacerbation of myopia
Organizations We Support
