So who is likely to become myopic?

Who gets myopia and why?  This is a very old question, and although research continues into this question - some things appear to be reasonably clear at this point.  There is an involvement of both genetics and environment in the development of myopia.  Ethnicity does play a role in a child's risk of developing myopia.  Highest risk is generally for those of East Asian heritage, particularly those with roots in the area of China or Korea.  The next largest risk group appears to be with those of European heritage.  Finally, those with African heritage are somewhat less at risk for the development of myopia.  The next risk factor usually considered is the number of parents who have myopia.  The risk of a child becoming myopic is greater if one parent is myopic than if neither parent is myopic.  Likewise, if both parents are myopic, there is a greater risk of myopia development than if only one parent is myopic.  In terms of the environment, children who spend several hours outdoors each day are less likely to become myopic than those who are always indoors.  Finally, those children who do a great deal of detailed near work (reading, computer, tablets, phones) are more at risk than those who do not participate as much in these activities.  If you have young children - getting them outside for 2-3 hours per day when possible is good advice that may have preventive value in the development of myopia.  Likewise, minimizing near work may be of value - yet this could present a parental dilemma in terms of deciding between the educational / learning value of near work versus risk of myopia.