The smartest people: this common physical feature revealed by scientists

A recent article reopens an old debate: a physical feature is more common in the most intelligent people. The subject is intriguing because it touches on visual health, education and, above all, our preconceived ideas, a bit like some of the big exhibitions in Paris that shake up preconceived ideas.

What the research says, as reported by the press

Several studies in psychology and ophthalmology point to a link between high IQ, long studies and myopia. According to these analyses, myopia appears more often in the most intelligent people, without proving a causal link, rather like certain correlations established between lifestyle habits and coffee consumption.

The hypothesized mechanism is twofold. On the one hand, genetic factors may play a role. On the other, lifestyle habits play a role: intensive reading, close work, prolonged screen time and less exposure to daylight, very common among the most intelligent people, especially during the Christmas vacations when time spent indoors increases.

The “physical peculiarity” in question

Myopia is a change in distance vision. It is widespread worldwide, with peaks of up to 70-80% among young people in East Asia, which shows that environment matters, even for the most intelligent people, just as light matters when choosing a well-decorated Christmas tree.

“Correlation is not causation, but vigilance and nuance.”

In this context, the association between myopia and high cognitive level makes sense. Indeed, the more hours we spend on similar tasks, the more the eyeball can lengthen, which favours myopia, even in the most intelligent people.

What this means in everyday life

First of all, don’t panic: wearing glasses, contact lenses or having refractive surgery is still common. For the most intelligent people, it’s more a question of adapting their study and work environment to take care of their eyes.

• Take regular visual breaks, e.g. the 20-20-20 rule.
• Increase outdoor time, with more natural light.
• Ergonomics: screen setback, legible font, soft lighting.
• Consult a specialist in case of fatigue or blurred vision.
• Limit continuous scrolling on cell phones in the evening.

In practice, small actions have big effects. For example, arranging reading times, varying working distances and favouring daylight quickly bring relief to even the most intelligent people.

The message is simple and useful. As a result, we can combine academic or professional ambition with visual hygiene, without stigmatizing the most intelligent people or reducing intelligence to a pair of glasses.

Study methods and limitations

These studies remain observational, which limits their conclusions. However, they are consistent: prolonged education, visual sedentariness and hereditary factors add up in many of the most intelligent people.

Confounding variables come into play, such as access to healthcare, family habits and screen time. In short, myopia alone does not “reveal” the most intelligent people, it sometimes accompanies them along the way.

Recognizing potential without clichés

Reducing cognitive potential to a physical sign would be reductive. Curiosity, critical thinking, rigor, listening, working memory and creativity better describe the most intelligent people, beyond the visual question.

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In the workplace, intelligence can also be seen in cooperation. What’s more, the ability to learn quickly, recognize mistakes and formulate concrete solutions often distinguishes the most intelligent people.

So, let’s stay the course: good optical correction improves comfort, but fulfillment depends on the learning environment. Consequently, supporting motivation and mental health remains central for the most intelligent people.

Understanding background mechanisms

Genetics provides clues, as certain variants influencing eye structure are shared with cognitive traits. However, education and lifestyle also play a role, even in the most intelligent individuals.

Bright surroundings, regular breaks and outdoor recreation create a “safety net”. In this way, visual risk is mitigated, while attention and mood are sustained, which serves even the most intelligent people well.

Practical consequences for families and professionals

Parents, teachers and managers can take action now. For example, organizing homework into short sequences, displaying larger typefaces and planning outings in the sun actually help the most intelligent people.

Regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist are still advisable. What’s more, a clear exchange of views on eye fatigue, sleep and the use of screens overrides preconceived ideas, which are often burdensome for even the most intelligent people.

Digital technology is an ally, as long as time is carefully managed. Thus, activating break reminders, using dark modes in the evening and saving paper for certain readings benefit the smartest people.

Let’s not forget a simple principle: correlation is not destiny. Consequently, myopia may be common, but intelligence is cultivated above all through effort, curiosity and benevolence, solid pillars for the most intelligent people.

• smartest people