Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where close objects are seen clearly but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfectly round, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Symptoms

• Distant objects appear blurry or fuzzy
• Close objects are seen clearly
• Headaches or eye strain from trying to see distant objects
• Squinting or rubbing of the eyes to try to see more clearly
• Difficulty driving at night or seeing road signs
• Trouble watching TV or movies from a distance

Causes and Risk Factors

Myopia can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including:

• Family history: Having a family member with myopia increases the risk
• Near work: Prolonged near work, such as reading or using digital devices, can contribute to myopia development
• Lack of outdoor activity: Spending less time outdoors and more time indoors may increase the risk of developing myopia
• Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or cataracts, can increase the risk of developing myopia

Treatments

The goal of treatment for myopia is to improve vision and reduce symptoms. Treatment options include:

• Glasses or Contact Lenses: Corrective lenses can refract light properly, allowing distant objects to be seen clearly
• Refractive Surgery: Surgical procedures, such as LASIK or PRK, can reshape the cornea to improve vision
• Orthokeratology (OK): A non-surgical procedure that uses a specialized contact lens to reshape the cornea while sleeping
• Atropine Therapy: Using atropine eye drops to dilate the pupils and reduce myopia progression in children
• Corneal Cross-Linking: A minimally invasive procedure that uses ultraviolet light and riboflavin to strengthen the cornea and slow myopia progression

Complications and Prevention

If left untreated, myopia can lead to complications such as:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Retinal detachment
• Macular degeneration

To prevent or slow the progression of myopia, it is recommended to:

• Get regular eye exams
• Spend time outdoors and engage in outdoor activities
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from digital devices and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Avoid prolonged near work and take regular breaks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where close objects are seen clearly but distant objects appear blurry.

What causes Myopia?
The exact cause of Myopia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including prolonged near work and lack of outdoor activity.

How common is Myopia?
Myopia is a relatively common condition, affecting approximately 30-40% of adults in the United States and up to 80-90% of children in some Asian countries.

Can Myopia be prevented?
While there is no proven way to completely prevent Myopia, some studies suggest that spending time outdoors and engaging in regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of developing Myopia.

How is Myopia diagnosed?
Myopia is typically diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including a visual acuity test and refraction assessment.

Can Myopia be treated?
Yes, Myopia can be treated with corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses, or refractive surgery such as LASIK.

Will Myopia worsen over time?
In some cases, Myopia can progress over time, especially during childhood and adolescence, but the rate of progression varies widely among individuals.

Is Myopia associated with other health problems?
High levels of Myopia have been linked to an increased risk of certain eye conditions, including retinal detachment and glaucoma.

Can children develop Myopia?
Yes, children can develop Myopia, and it is often first diagnosed during childhood or adolescence.

Is there a cure for Myopia?
While there are treatments available to correct vision problems caused by Myopia, there is no known "cure" for the condition itself.