Understanding Nearsightedness: Causes, Solutions, and Prevention
Nearsightedness is the leading eye health condition in Indonesia, with a prevalence of 48% among people aged 21 and over.[1] This high figure deserves attention, as modern lifestyles are often a cause of nearsightedness, meaning anyone could develop it, including you.
So, what can cause nearsightedness? And, more importantly, can you prevent or reduce it? Let's find out the answers here!
What Causes Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness is a condition in which light that should fall on the retina instead falls in front of it, making objects appear blurry. Here are some causes of nearsightedness:
1. Prolonged Exposure to Blue Light

In today's modern era, spending time on smartphones and computers is no longer just for entertainment, but can also be due to school or work demands.
The problem is that these electronic devices emit blue light with short wavelengths, and continuous exposure can increase the risk of nearsightedness.[2]
2. Reading at Close Range

As an activity that helps broaden your horizons, reading is highly recommended, especially educational reading. However, if you do it at a very close distance, less than 30 cm, for extended periods, this habit will promote the development of nearsightedness.[3]
For those who already have nearsightedness, continuing the habit of reading at close range can also be a cause of rapidly worsening nearsightedness.
3. Genetic Factors

80% of eye health conditions are genetically inherited from family, including nearsightedness.[4] If one or both parents have nearsightedness, the risk of a child inheriting a similar condition is quite high.
4. Rarely Going Outdoors

Research reveals that individuals who only go outdoors once a week have a four times higher risk of developing nearsightedness compared to those who go outdoors twice a week.[5]
This increased risk occurs because people who spend more time indoors receive less sunlight.
Sunlight itself is important for eye health because it can help the body produce retinal dopamine, which is important for inhibiting eye elongation that can cause nearsightedness.
For people with nearsightedness, this habit of rarely going outdoors can also be a cause of worsening nearsightedness.
Ways to Reduce Nearsightedness
For nearsightedness that has already developed, here are some ways that can help you reduce it:
1. Consume More Foods Rich in Vitamin A

Consuming vitamin A can help you reduce nearsightedness.[6] Foods high in this vitamin include salmon, mackerel, oysters, eggs, carrots, sweet potatoes, and also spinach.
2. Spend More Time Playing Outdoors

Let your body absorb sunlight by being outdoors to get the benefits of sunlight for your eyes. However, do not forget that UV rays can also risk harming eye health.
To be safer, try not to be outdoors from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest.
3. Refractive Surgery

For instant results, the only solution is through refractive surgery. Through this procedure, doctors will correct the overly elongated retina, which is the main cause of your nearsightedness.
Ways to Prevent Nearsightedness
Nearsightedness can affect your comfort and quality of life. Therefore, follow these ways to prevent this condition:
1. Give Your Eyes Time to Rest from Computer or Phone Screens

Let your eyes rest by looking at objects other than screens for at least 15 minutes after staring at a computer, TV, or phone screen for 2 hours. In addition, let your eyes look at distant objects for 20 seconds after staring at a screen for 20 minutes.
This simple method is effective in reducing eye strain, making them more relaxed, and restoring focus. With this step, you can also reduce the risk that contributes to the development of nearsightedness.
2. Maintain Eye Distance

When reading, make sure your eyes are about 30 cm from the book for eye comfort and health.
Meanwhile, when using a computer, the ideal eye distance is 50 to 70 cm. Next, for small electronic devices such as phones or tablets, maintain a distance of 20 to 30 cm to keep your eyes protected.[7]
3. Take Supplements That Maintain Eye Health

To avoid nearsightedness problems, you can also maintain eye health by consuming Sido Muncul Herbal Bilberry Carrot.
The combination of bilberry, carrot, and vitamins in this supplement is specially designed to support your eye health. By consuming it regularly, you can minimize the risk of vision problems from an early age.
Interestingly, for those who already have nearsightedness, the bilberry content can also help slow the development of nearsightedness, improve eye focus, and maximize vision even in low-light conditions.
Come on, start caring for your eye health right now! Avoid several things that are causes of nearsightedness and consume Sido Muncul Herbal Bilberry Carrot. Protect your eyes from now for a brighter future!
Shop Healthy and Economically at Sido Muncul Store!
Get reward points with every purchase, collect points and exchange them for discounts! The more points, the more savings! Come on, visit Sido Muncul Store now!