Myopia (Nearsightedness): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Myopia (Nearsightedness): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

• 07 Aug, 2024

Myopia is also known as nearsightedness. It is a common visual impairment where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are clear. This condition is caused by a refractive error in the eye. This can make everyday activities a bit difficult without glasses or other ways to fix the vision.

You must be aware of myopia so that you can ensure early intervention if you develop any symptoms of the eye condition. It will help you improve the clarity of vision and ensure quality of life. Let us explore what are the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for myopia. We will also offer insights for better vision management and care.

What Leads to Myopia?

Myopia can occur due to genetic and environmental factors. People must understand these so that they can manage or even prevent this condition:

• Genetic Predisposition: A family history of myopia increases one’s risk.
• Environmental Influences: Extended periods of close-up activities like reading or using digital devices may develop myopia.
• Reduced Outdoor Time: Myopia may also occur in children due to lack of exposure to natural light.

How to Spot the Symptoms of Myopia Early

Detecting myopia early is very important for timely treatment. Here are some common signs of nearsightedness:

• Blurry Vision for Distant Objects: Difficulty in seeing objects from a distance.
• Squinting: Often squinting to view distant objects better.
• Eyestrain: Experiencing headaches or eye fatigue after visual tasks.
• Close Viewing Habits: Needing to sit closer to the television or preferring seats at the front of the classroom or cinema.

If these symptoms are familiar, it’s advisable to schedule an eye examination.

Treatment Options for Myopia

Managing myopia effectively requires understanding the available treatment options. These include:

1. Prescription Eyeglasses
   Using eyeglasses is a good way to correct myopia. They adjust the way light enters the eyes and provide clear vision. You may use single-vision lenses for general use and bifocal lenses for both distance and reading correction.
2. Contact Lenses
   Contact lenses offer a good solution. They are suitable for active lifestyles. They come in various types, such as daily disposables and extended-wear lenses.
3. Refractive Surgery
   There are surgical options like LASIK to reshape the cornea. They allow light to focus properly on the retina. These procedures can reduce or eliminate the need for glasses or contacts.
   • Benefits of Refractive Surgery:
     • Quick recovery time
     • Long-lasting results
     • Improved quality of life
4. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
   Ortho-K is a non-surgical method where one needs to wear contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.
5. Atropine Eye Drops
   Low-dose atropine drops can slow the progression of myopia in children. This treatment requires careful monitoring by an eye care professional.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Adjustments

Even though all kinds of myopia can not be prevented, however, one can make lifestyle adjustments to manage its progression:

• Increase Outdoor Activities: Encouraging outdoor play in children can reduce myopia risk.
• Limit Screen Time: Setting reasonable limits on screen time helps alleviate eye strain.
• Regular Eye Exams: Early detection and treatment can prevent worsening of myopia.

Implementing these habits contributes significantly to eye health and can delay or reduce the severity of myopia.

When to Consult an Eye Care Professional for Myopia

It’s important to seek professional advice if you notice changes in vision or if the above symptoms worsen with an eye specialist:

• Persistent Blurry Vision: When poor distance vision becomes a regular issue.
• Increasing Headaches: Frequent headaches might indicate uncorrected myopia.
• Eye Fatigue: Regular visual tasks should not lead to constant eye strain.

An eye specialist can provide a comprehensive eye exam and discuss the most suitable treatment options.

Conclusion

Myopia is a common eye health issue that affects many. It impacts daily activities and the overall quality of life. If you understand its causes and recognize the symptoms early, you can ensure treatment for your eyes and ensure a good vision.

At Drishti Eye Centre, we provide all kinds of eye care solutions to meet the individual needs of our patients. Our clinic is located on Mehrauli Gurgaon road near Kalyani hospital, Gurgaon. We specialize in a range of consultations and treatments for myopia. We prioritize your vision health with comprehensive care plans. Contact us today to book a consultation.

FAQs

1. What is myopia (nearsightedness)?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where objects close to you appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eye shape causes light rays to bend incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

2. What causes myopia?

Myopia is caused by an elongated eyeball or a steeply curved cornea, which affects how light focuses on the retina. Genetics, prolonged near-work activities like reading or screen use, and insufficient time outdoors during childhood can also contribute to its development.

3. What are the symptoms of myopia?

The main symptom of myopia is blurry vision when looking at distant objects. Other symptoms may include squinting, eye strain, headaches, and difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night.

4. How is myopia diagnosed?

Myopia is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which includes tests like a visual acuity test, retinoscopy, and refraction assessment. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can determine the degree of nearsightedness and recommend treatment options.

5. What treatments are available for myopia?

Treatments for myopia include prescription glasses or contact lenses to correct vision. In some cases, refractive surgery like LASIK can permanently reshape the cornea. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves wearing specially designed lenses overnight to temporarily correct vision. Additionally, certain eye drops or lenses can help slow down the progression of myopia in children.