Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close objects are seen clearly. It affects a significant portion of the population, often diagnosed before the age of 20.
Here’s a breakdown of myopia:
Symptoms:
- Blurred vision for distant objects
- Squinting to see faraway things
- Difficulty seeing details at a distance
Causes:
The exact cause of myopia isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Here are some potential contributors:
- Eyeball shape: In myopic eyes, the eyeball is elongated, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
- Genetics: Having a family history of myopia increases your risk.
- Environmental factors: Spending a lot of time focusing on near objects, such as screens, during childhood may play a role.
Treatments:
Myopia can’t be cured, but there are effective ways to correct your vision:
- Eyeglasses: Glasses with corrective lenses help focus light rays onto the retina, providing clear vision.
- Contact lenses: Similar to eyeglasses, contact lenses sit directly on your eye and correct your vision.
- Orthokeratology: This involves wearing special rigid contact lenses at night that reshape the cornea temporarily, improving your vision during the day.
- LASIK surgery: This laser eye surgery reshapes the cornea to improve your focus. It’s an elective procedure and not suitable for everyone.
Myopia in Adults:
While typically diagnosed in childhood, myopia can also develop or worsen in adults. This is known as adult-onset myopia or acquired myopia. Here are some possible reasons:
- Increased near work: Spending extended periods focusing on close objects, like computer screens, could contribute.
- Age-related changes: The lens in your eye naturally becomes less flexible with age, making it harder to focus on near objects.
Management Tips:
- Regular eye exams: Schedule regular eye checkups with your doctor to monitor your vision and eye health.
- Take breaks from screens: Give your eyes a break from close work by looking away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes and focusing on something distant.
- Good posture: Maintain good posture while using screens or reading to avoid straining your eyes.
- Light and glare: Adjust lighting and reduce glare from screens to make viewing more comfortable.
If you have any concerns about your vision, consult a qualified eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and discuss the best management options for you.
Suggested readings:
About Author
