It is estimated that approximately 35% of children under the age of 14 are short-sighted, practically one in three. More time outdoors, where the sun stimulates the production of dopamine, is also linked to myopia.
Special spectacle lenses that are used to block the progression of myopia can be used to stop the progression. mandatory screening visits starting from the age of three and a wider use of optical and pharmacological therapies capable of slowing down its evolution. The problem is associated with pathological consequences on the retina, a greater incidence of glaucoma, and cataracts, says Paolo Nucci, Professor of Ophthalmology at the State University of Milan. "It is paradoxical, but myopia seems to be a sort of side effect of education," he says, adding that more education is needed to combat the problem, beyond the five diopters recommended by the Italian society of ophthalmic Sciences (Siso). The National Congress of the Italian Society of Ogglemic Sciences is being held in Milan.