Final answer:
The study by Mountjoy et al. found lack of outdoor exposure to be linked to increased rates of nearsightedness around the world. Environmental and genetic factors are influential in the development of myopia, which converges light incorrectly in front of the retina.
Step-by-step explanation:
Mountjoy and colleagues (2018) discovered that the dramatic spikes in the rates of nearsightedness (myopia) observed around the world were linked to lack of outdoor exposure. This discovery aligns with the understanding that myopia occurs when the eye converges light rays from a distant object in front of the retina, leading to a blurry image. This condition might be influenced by genetics, but environmental factors such as time spent outdoors play a significant role in its development and progression.
While myopia can be hereditary, individuals who spend considerable time on close visual work, such as reading or using computers, are at increased risk. Environmental factors like outdoor exposure are crucial because they influence how our eyes develop and function over time. To help control this, balancing screen time with outdoor activities might be beneficial.