The arguments for laser surgery to correct myopia are compelling, but it’s not for everyone.
Short-sightedness is on the increase. In Asia, there is an epidemic of myopia, with 90% of young Chinese now affected, and in New Zealand, rates are rising, too. The cause is still being debated, although lifestyle factors are suspected, specifically the many hours children are spending staring at screens instead of being outdoors, which is believed to have a protective effect.
More short-sighted people means more contactlens wearers, and scientists are now saying this may be contributing to the pollution of waterways.
Contact lenses are disposable – some are designed to be worn for only one day – and the obvious way to get rid of them is to flush them down a sink or toilet. A team from Arizona State University has estimated that six to 10 tonnes of plastic lenses end up in wastewater in the US each year. And, as these lenses are broken down into smaller particles, there is a risk that aquatic organisms will mistake them for food. The researchers suggest wearers dispose of used contact lenses in the bin with the rest of their solid waste.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 16-22, 2019 من New Zealand Listener.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
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هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة March 16-22, 2019 من New Zealand Listener.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
The rest is history
Rest - both sleep and non-sleep - is essential to help our overstressed bodies and minds repair themselves. But many of us remain in a constant state of 'fight, flight or freeze'.
Right and power
Israel is profiting financially and extending its global technological influence in response to the October 7 massacre, says investigative journalist Antony Loewenstein.
Dolphins be damned
Is SailGP's future in this country really under threat because of an at-risk marine mammal?
Orwellian irony
Our thinking about one of the 20th century's best-known writers is being challenged by the 'smelly little truths' Anna Funder uncovered about George Orwell's marriage.
The alchemist
Talent and a little magic have taken state-house kid Moses Mackay to the heights of Italian opera. He's coming back to sprinkle some of his gold dust around.
Good Lord, he was scandalous
Lord Byron still fascinates 200 years after his death, but more for his bohemian lifestyle than his poetry.
Stars in their eyes
Debut novel a heady mix of grief, astronomy and love.
Dark matter
Ngaio Marsh-style whodunnit set among academia attached to the Mt John Observatory.
Mirren's mirror on Meir
Dame Helen talks about playing Golda Meir, Israel's iron lady, during a pivotal chapter in the controversial politician's long career.
Game, set and match
Love, sex and great tennis take centre court in this highly charged drama.