Short-sightedness (Myopia)

Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition in which close objects are seen clearly but distant objects appear blurred. It occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to bend (refract) incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Causes and Risk Factors

Short-sightedness is often inherited and can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The main cause is an elongation of the eyeball or an increased curvature of the cornea, which leads to the focal point of light being in front of the retina.

Symptoms

• Distant objects appear blurry or fuzzy
• Close objects are seen clearly
• Headaches or eye strain from trying to see distant objects clearly
• Squinting or rubbing the eyes to try to see more clearly
• Difficulty driving, watching TV, or playing sports due to blurry distance vision

Types of Short-sightedness

There are several types of short-sightedness, including:

• Simple myopia: the most common type, which develops in childhood or adolescence
• Pathological myopia: a more severe form that can lead to other eye problems, such as retinal detachment or cataracts
• Degenerative myopia: a rare and severe form that can cause significant vision loss
• Nocturnal myopia: short-sightedness that occurs only at night, often due to pupil dilation

Treatments

The main treatments for short-sightedness are:

• Glasses or contact lenses: to correct the focal point of light and improve distance vision
• Refractive surgery: such as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy), which reshapes 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 slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents

Complications and Prevention

If left untreated, short-sightedness can lead to other eye problems, such as:

• Retinal detachment
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Macular degeneration

To prevent or slow the progression of short-sightedness, it is recommended to:

• Get regular eye exams
• Spend time outdoors and engage in outdoor activities
• Avoid prolonged near work, such as reading or screen time
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids