How to solve nearsightedness using physics

09/03/17

“How can we apply our knowledge of science to help nearsightedness?”

 

Nearsightedness is a pervasive phenomenon in modern day society, with nearly 40% of Americans being affected by the issue. This phenomena, also known as myopia, is caused when the focal length of individual’s eye ball lens is too short, causing its focal length to decrease, which causes these incoming light rays to be focused on a point in front of the back of the eye, which in turn will cause a fuzzy image to be received by the brain. So how can we use our scientific knowledge to correct this medical issue? Well, let’s think about it. Well, we know that we can change the direction of light using lenses. Furthermore, if we use a negative lens, then the incoming angle will go out in a higher direction. So what if we were to place a negative lens in front of our eye and let the light come through? Well, it turns out that this method can be found in nearly every single pair of eyeglasses, and is a prime example of how to solve nearsightedness using physics!