The myopia epidemic is linked to low-light conditions, not screens

heavy Use of smart phones Other devices are associated with an 80% higher risk of myopia when combined with excessive computer use, but a new study suggests that dim indoor lighting could also be a factor.

For many years, scientists have been puzzled about the different ways myopia results. In laboratory settings, this can be caused by blurred vision or the use of different lenses. Conversely, it can be slowed by something as simple as spending time outdoors, research suggests.

Myopia occurs When the eyeball grows too long from front to back, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA). This physical elongation causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry.

The study suggests that myopia is not caused by the digital devices themselves, but by the low-light environments in which they are typically used. (Istock)

Researchers at the State University of New York (SUNY) College of Optometry have identified a possible specific trigger for this growth. When someone looks at a phone or book closely, their pupils naturally constrict.

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“In bright outdoor light, the pupil constricts to protect the eye while allowing enough light to reach the retina,” Urusha Maharjan, a doctoral student in optometry at the State University of New York who conducted the study, said in a press release.

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“When people focus on close objects indoors, such as phones, tablets or books, their pupils can also constrict – Not because of brightness, but to increase image clarity. In low light, this combination may decrease significantly Retinal illumination“.

High-intensity natural light prevents myopia because it provides enough stimulation to the retina to override the “stop growth” signal, even when the pupil is constricted. (Istock)

The hypothesis suggests that when the retina is deprived of light during prolonged close-up work, it signals the eye to grow.

The researchers found that in a dark environment, a narrow pupil allows so little light to pass through that retinal activity is not strong enough to signal the eye to stop growing.

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In contrast, being outdoors provides much brighter light levels than indoors. This ensures that even when the pupil constricts to focus on a nearby object, the retina still receives a strong signal, maintaining continuity. Healthy eye development.

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The team noted some limitations in the study, including the small subject group and the inability to directly measure internal lens changes, as the bright backgrounds used to mimic the outdoors made the pupils too small to use standard equipment.

Researchers believe that increasing indoor brightness during close-up work could be a simple, testable way to slow the global myopia epidemic. (Istock)

“This is not a definitive answer,” Jose Manuel Alonso, MD, PhD, distinguished professor at the State University of New York and senior author of the study, said in the statement.

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“But the study provides a testable hypothesis that reframes how visual habits, lighting, and eye focus interact.”

The study was published in the journal Cell Reports.

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