Massive rise in Asian eye damage (BBC)
By Matt McGrath
Science reporter, BBC World Service
Up to 90% of school leavers in major Asian cities are suffering from myopia - short-sightedness - a study suggests.
Researchers say the "extraordinary rise" in the problem is being caused by students working very hard in school and missing out on outdoor light.
The scientists told the Lancet that up to one in five of these students could experience severe visual impairment and even blindness.
In the UK, the average level of myopia is between 20% and 30%.
According to Professor Ian Morgan, who led this study and is from the Australian National University, 20-30% was once the average among people in South East Asia as well.
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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-17942181
Surprising explanation of the cause -- I thought it would be failure to use muscles for distant focusing, until the ability to do so degenerated.