Conclusion


Future
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These three great inventions have allowed myopia sufferers to go about completing their daily tasks smoothly without having to strain their eyes for a clearer image. Besides correcting myopia, the three technologies have also caused significant economic and social impact.


Economic Impact

In Singapore, US$90 million is spent annually on spectacles. Refractive surgery has been ranked the second most performed procedure after cataract surgery, summing to S$3 million. This is highly comparable to the S$2-3 million being pumped annually into research and development for myopia. The huge market and demand for these technologies would continue to grow as long as myopia remains prevalent. In view of this lucrative business, it seems a plausible reason for the continual research and development in this field carried out to find a cure to myopia.
From the article: Myopia in Singapore: Taking a public health approach

Social Impact

Social Impact
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Socially, these technologies have improved our standards of living by enabling myopia sufferers to continue with their daily tasks and routines with clear vision. At the same time, especially in developed countries, wearing spectacles countries have seemed to become a norm as well as a fashion accessory. This could create perceptions for children leading to undesirable effects. In extreme cases, children might intentionally worsen their eyesight so they could wear spectacles. In addition, there is also a common misconception of LASIK surgery being a cure to myopia. These mentalities have created an ignorant culture towards myopia - where many people neglect their eyesight. However, this can be addressed by raised awareness and the provision of education on proper care of the eyes. In Singapore for example, we have the national myopia prevention programme.
From the article: Myopia in Singapore: Taking a public health approach and information from Singapore Health Promotion Board

The three technologies discussed have impacted us greatly both positively and negatively. However, it is evident that they have failed to compeletely cure myopia. These inventions are useful aid for people with myopia but fall short as a solution. The extent of myopia would still be subjected to increment over time even with their usage. The technologies that exist are purely corrective methods. There is also no intention for these inventions to cure myopia any time soon, as their future developments are being focused on improving current features and quality. Furthermore, contact lenses have even created a new problem by becoming the main cause of corneal ulcer. Thus, these technologies appear as quick fixes rather than a sound cure.

To sum up on the whole issue of myopia and the related technologies, we believe that humans have created great inventions to tackle myopia to ensure that we can have clear vision and reduce the adverse effects of myopia. Unfortunately, these inventions are not solutions to resolve myopia. Furthermore, future technology cannot guarantee we would become immune to myopia. We believe that in order to create the perfect solution to myopia, we cannot solely depend on technology. Instead, technology has to be integrated with a change in behavior and practices.