= Solution
Education is a causal risk factor if an <intervention> that changes educational exposure changes the distribution of the corresponding <potential outcome> for myopia. An observed <statistical association> need not have that interpretation. Shared causes such as socioeconomic circumstances, parental behavior, genetic traits, or preference for indoor near work can <confounding>[confound] education and myopia. <Reverse causality> is also possible: children with impaired distance vision may select more reading and indoor study, which can increase educational attainment without education causing the impairment.
Back to article page