Myopia (commonly referred to as nearsightedness) is a refractive error of the eye where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly. This occurs when the eyeball is too long or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia is one of the most common vision problems worldwide, and its prevalence has been increasing, particularly in younger populations.
Causes of Myopia
- Genetics: Myopia often runs in families. If one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop it.
- Environmental Factors: Prolonged close-up activities, such as reading, using digital screens, or working on small objects, can contribute to myopia development.
- Lack of Outdoor Activity: Research suggests that children who spend less time outdoors are at a higher risk of developing myopia.
Symptoms
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
- Squinting or eye strain
- Headaches due to prolonged focusing
- Difficulty seeing clearly while driving, especially at night
Diagnosis
Myopia is usually diagnosed through a standard eye exam, where an optometrist or ophthalmologist will check visual acuity and may use tools like a phoropter to determine the degree of refractive error.
Treatment
- Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: The most common treatment involves wearing corrective lenses to help focus light correctly on the retina.
- Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK can permanently reshape the cornea to correct myopia.
- Orthokeratology: Specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight can temporarily reshape the cornea for clearer vision during the day.
Managing Myopia
Increased time spent outdoors, regular eye checkups, and reducing prolonged close-up activities can help manage or slow down the progression of myopia, especially in children.
