Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision issues globally. Whether you’re squinting at signs on the road or struggling to read the board in the class, you’re not alone. Myopia is a condition that is affecting millions of people of all the age group, but the good news is, it’s treatable. In this blog, we will delve into what myopia is, what causes it, how to treat it, and how solutions today are revolutionizing the way we approach vision care.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is where the eye can’t get the light to focus properly on the retina. Light would usually go into the eye, travel through the lens, and come to a focus on the retina at the back of the eye to create a clear picture. In myopia, the eye is usually too long or the cornea is too steep. This causes light to be concentrated in front of the retina instead of directly on it, which leads to blurred vision when looking at distant objects.
Symptoms of Myopia:
Blurred distance vision: You may have trouble seeing things like road signs, movies, or a board in a classroom or lecture hall.
Eye strain: Prolonged reading or computer use can lead to discomfort.
Headaches: This could be an eye strain side effect from attempting to see far-away things.
Squinting: You may involuntarily squint in an attempt to bring distant objects into sharper focus.
Causes of Myopia
Myopia is mainly due to the shape of the eye, and its establishment may be determined both by genetics and environment.
- Genetics: Family history is an important cause of myopia. If either or both of your parents are nearsighted, you have a higher chance of developing myopia yourself.
- Environmental Factors: Research has indicated that the lifestyle habits, especially prolonged close-up work like reading, screen use, or performing detailed tasks, can be a risk factor for developing myopia. Moreover, research shows that children with increased outdoor exposure have less likelihood of developing myopia, which may be caused by exposure to sunlight.
Who is at Risk?
Even though myopia develops at any stage, in many cases it commences in the form of nearsightedness during childhood. Between 6 to 14 years, youngsters are prone to myopia more easily, and their condition grows more pronounced even during teenage days when their eyes are enlarging.
Diagnosis of Myopia:
One of the professional doctors in handling the eye issue is called the optometrist or the ophthalmologist and is responsible for detecting myopia in the entire eye via full-eye examinations. The doctor observes for:
Visual acuity: How well you can see at distances.
Refraction test: Establishes the prescription strength to be used to fix your vision.
Retinal exam: Verifies the retina is healthy and there is no other condition of the eye.
Treatment for Myopia
Though myopia cannot be cured, there are numerous successful treatments to correct vision and facilitate life for those with the condition. The most widespread treatments are the following:
- Eyeglasses: Glasses are the most straightforward and most popular solution for correcting myopia. A prescription lens will enable light to be properly focused on the retina so you can see clearly at a distance. They also come in styles, so you can find a pair that matches your style.
- Contact Lenses: For individuals who don’t want to deal with wearing glasses, contact lenses are a fine substitute. They correct the same as glasses but without covering up your line of sight. In addition, contacts don’t become foggy or get rain-spattered.
- Refractive Surgery (LASIK): Laser vision correction, such as LASIK, is an increasingly sought-after choice for individuals who wish to end or curtail their need for glasses or contact lenses. The procedure sculpts the cornea to enable light to focus properly on the retina. LASIK results are long-term, although the surgery is not suitable for every individual.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K requires the use of specialized contact lenses at night that gently reshape the cornea. The temporary adjustment enables one to see clearly during the day without needing glasses or contacts. It is especially common among children and teenagers because it even helps to slow down the development of myopia.
Preventing Myopia: Is it Possible?
Although myopia can never be fully avoided, there are several ways in which you can prevent or slow down its development and to minimize the eye strain:
- Spending time outdoors: Children who spend more time in natural light are found to be having a lower risk of developing myopia according to studies.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: When doing close-up work like reading or using a computer, make sure to take breaks every 20 minutes. Look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the eyes and also prevent strain.
- Proper lighting: Ensure that the area you’re working in is well-lighted to reduce the strain on your eyes.
- Regular eye examinations: Early detection of myopia is likely to prevent it from increasing with time. Your eye specialist will be able to monitor the growth and advise on corrective action if necessary.
Conclusion
Myopia is a common and curable disorder that need not restrict your lifestyle. If you yourself are nearsighted or have a nearsighted friend, learning about the reasons, signs, and treatments is the way to brighter sight. With the proper correctional techniques and life-style modifications, you can have clear vision and make the most of life without the hazy vision.
If you think you have myopia, or it’s time for a check-up, don’t delay in making an appointment with your optometrist. The sooner you detect it, the higher your chances of controlling it well. You can click to start your from journey now.
