Researchers are trying to recruit nearly 300 families with short-sighted children for a wide-ranging study aimed at finding out the role played by genetics in myopia among Chinese.
So far, Hong Kong Polytechnic University has recruited just 10 families since the programme began six months ago, its optometry and radiography assistant professor, Dr Carly Lam Siu-yin, said.
All data from the study, the first of its kind to be carried out in Hong Kong, will be sent to Paris for further analysis. Professor George Woo Chi-shing, chair professor of optometry at the university, said there was an urgent need for the study as myopia would become more common because of increased use of computers. He said research had shown risk factors included intensive close-up work. His colleague, Dr To Chi-ho, warned that Hong Kong people might not be able to take up certain jobs - such as pilots - if the eyesight of young people deteriorated.
A 1994 survey by the university showed 70 per cent of the population between 17 and 40 were short-sighted, compared with only 25 per cent overseas.
Professor Marion Edwards, director of the university's centre for myopia research, suggested people should rest their eyes after working long hours.