-- Susan Vitale, a researcher at the National Eye Institute, who has looked at the rate of myopia -- or near-sightedness -- among Americans in the early 1970s and then again in the 2000s. (Part of the story "Why more athletes are choosing to sport eyewear" from NPR's Marketplace today.) - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo from Bookmarklet

I have a bunch of theories, some of which are in that story, but that's a really startling statistic to me. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo

I think the fact that most of us are using computers for work and entertainment and school is responsible for the rise. We spend so much time focusing not that far in front of us (and not taking breaks and walking well away from the computer) that the muscles responsible for focusing farther away get lazy. - Spidra Webster

I don't think it can only be computers Spidra. I was diagnosed near sighted long before I regularly used a computer. I haven't read the whole article so maybe this is discussed, but I wonder if there is a different among social/education classes. I wonder if spending a lot of time on near things, whether they are computers, books, writing, music, etc has anything to do with it? - Rachel Lea Fox

I don't think computers have to be the only reason for the increase but I think they're largely responsible. Books, music, etc were around in the '70s. Personal computers weren't around then. - Spidra Webster

25% is a pretty high statistic as well. But I'm not talking about what is around I'm talking about increased focus on. I am nearly positive that the percentage of people getting degrees has gone up as well. Associate degrees were more than enough in the 70's but now a bachelors is nearly required for a large number of jobs. And more and more schools are expanding masters programs because more people want them and in more fields. Obviously there is more use of computer, tvs and video games. But there is also more time spent studying, reading, etc. A stronger focus on things in the foreground. - Rachel Lea Fox

There probably are a few more people becoming nearsighted now that wouldn't have before there were lots more screens to look at up close. (I didn't read the article, so I'm just making a guess.) I became nearsighted before exposure to lots of screens, too. It runs in my family, so it probably would have happened no matter what. My mom has it and my dad doesn't. About half of their six kids have it and the other half don't. I think my video-game and computer obsessed brothers have somehow escaped it. - Kamilah Reed (K. Gill)

I am personally a heavy screen user starting from age 12. My eyes are starting to go now, at 45, but up until a couple of years ago I had 20-15 vision. - Stephen Mack #TeamMomo