[tiredmom]

Study: Up to 90% of Asian Schoolchildren Are Nearsighted | Healthland | TIME.com

The results suggest that parents — especially tiger moms — might want to give their hard-studying children regular breaks: a couple of hours of sunlight a day would probably do it, the authors say.

[Quantum_Leap]

I teach in China, and I have to say that this is DEFINITELY true. I've taught at two different schools here, and at both schools almost all of my students have worn glasses. When I'm displaying text on the overhead using the computer, I frequently have to put it in size 20 point font or bigger, and still there are some students who can't read it. It sometimes feels like I'm teaching the blind! Anyway, it's not just due to parenting. There are systemic factors at play. Most kids here are in school from 7:00 AM until 9:00 PM or later, with almost no breaks during the day. And they start doing this from a very, very young age (sometimes as young as preschool). It's crazy to me! But in the long-term I think it actually hurts them academically -- since my students can't always see what I write on the overhead, they have trouble following along with what I'm explaining, staying on the right page, etc. Imo, a more balanced approach would be better for everyone.