Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

15. The Special Senses

The Lens and Focusing Light on the Retina

Anatomy & Physiology

15. The Special Senses

The Lens and Focusing Light on the Retina

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Problem L3.2

Textbook Question

Your friend tells you that she has just been diagnosed with myopia, and she wonders if staring at her computer screen too much might have caused her problem. What do you tell her?

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Explain to your friend that myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition where the eye focuses light in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry.

Discuss the primary causes of myopia, which include genetic factors and environmental influences such as prolonged close-up activities (e.g., reading, using a computer, or looking at a phone screen). These activities can contribute to eye strain and potentially worsen myopia over time.

Clarify that staring at a computer screen for extended periods does not directly cause myopia but may exacerbate symptoms or lead to digital eye strain, which can mimic or worsen discomfort associated with myopia.

Advise your friend to practice good eye care habits, such as following the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) to reduce eye strain and taking regular breaks from screen time.

Encourage your friend to consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist for personalized advice and treatment options, such as corrective lenses or lifestyle adjustments, to manage her myopia effectively.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina. Understanding myopia is essential to address concerns about its causes and management.

Digital Eye Strain

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital devices. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, and discomfort. While it does not directly cause myopia, excessive screen time can exacerbate existing vision issues and lead to discomfort.

Preventive Eye Care

Preventive eye care involves practices aimed at maintaining eye health and preventing vision problems. This includes regular eye exams, proper lighting while using screens, and the 20-20-20 rule, which suggests taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes. Educating your friend about these practices can help manage her myopia and reduce eye strain.

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Which structure within the eye holds the lens in place?

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What is the primary function of the lens of the eye?

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What is the main component of the lens of the eye?

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