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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing nearsightedness, such as:

  • Family history. Nearsightedness tends to run in families. If one of your parents is nearsighted, your risk of developing nearsightedness is increased. The risk is even higher if both parents are nearsighted.
  • Close work. There may be an increased incidence of nearsightedness among people who do a lot of reading or other close work.
Complications Causes
References
  1. Preferred practice patterns: Refractive errors and refractive surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://one.aao.org/CE/PracticeGuidelines/PPP_Content.aspx?cid=e6930284-2c41-48d5-afd2-631dec586286. Accessed Dec. 20, 2011.
  2. Facts about myopia. National Eye Institute. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/errors/myopia.asp#7. Accessed Dec. 21, 2011.
  3. Myopia (nearsightedness) American Optometric Association. http://www.aoa.org/myopia.xml. Accessed Dec. 20, 2011.
  4. Refractive error. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye_disorders/refractive_error/overview_of_refractive_error.html. Accessed Dec. 20, 2011.
  5. Frequency of ocular examinations. American Academy of Ophthalmology. http://one.aao.org/CE/PracticeGuidelines/ClinicalStatements_Content.aspx?cid=810eaf61-181e-41c8-a0e8-e1d122efe5a4. Accessed Dec. 20, 2011.
  6. Mian SI. Visual impairment in adults: Refractive disorders and presbyopia. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 21, 2011.
  7. Opticians, dispensing. U.S. Department of Labor. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos098.htm. Accessed Dec. 20, 2011.
  8. Eye health tips. National Eye Institute. http://www.nei.nih.gov/healthyeyes/eyehealthtips.asp. Accessed Dec. 21, 2011.
  9. Robertson DM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 29, 2011.
DS00528 March 3, 2012

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