Introduction
Myopia has a wide range of etiological factors. This makes comparisons between epidemiological studies difficult.
Myopia increases the risk of eye health problems, including retinal detachment and glaucoma. It can also lead to other serious complications like myopic macular degeneration and cataracts. It is important to have regular eye exams and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
What is Myopia
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common eye condition. People with myopia have trouble seeing distant objects clearly, but can usually see close ones well enough. This happens because the eye is too long from front to back, or because the cornea or lens is curved too steeply. It can also be caused by visual stress and other factors.
In most cases, nearsightedness is mild and can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. But if the myopia gets worse, it can lead to a more serious condition called degenerative myopia, which can cause permanent vision loss and is a leading cause of legal blindness in young adults.
Myopia tends to develop in childhood as the eyes and brain grow rapidly. It may also be influenced by family history and how much time kids spend outdoors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, kids spent less time outside and engaged in more close-up activities, which probably contributed to an increase in nearsightedness among school-age children. But myopia can occur at any age, and it is important to have regular eye exams to detect the condition and slow its progression. A comprehensive eye exam includes testing distance and near vision, as well as a dilation of the pupil to check for any abnormal blood vessels or other signs of glaucoma.
Symptoms of Myopia
For clear vision, light must focus directly on the back layer of the eye called the retina. When an eye is nearsighted, the elongated eyeball causes light to focus in front of the retina resulting in blurry distant images. People with nearsightedness can often see nearby objects and read up close. But they struggle to drive, play sports, or read a book without glasses. They also may experience symptoms such as squinting, headaches, and eyestrain.
Young children might not complain of their blurry vision, so it’s important to ensure they have regular eye exams and vision tests as part of their routine medical care. Children with nearsightedness should have their first eye exam by age 1, and then at least once every two years.
Nearsightedness can progress into a more serious condition known as degenerative myopia, which makes it harder and harder to see far-away objects. This type of myopia typically develops in teens or early adulthood and increases the risk for conditions such as a detached retina, glaucoma, and cataracts. Fortunately, treatments including bifocals, contact lenses, and corneal reshaping therapy are available to help prevent progression into degenerative myopia. It’s important to discuss these treatment options with your ophthalmologist.
Treatment Options for Myopia
Symptoms of nearsightedness can often be corrected with glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, refractive surgery may also be a good option. Certain lifestyle changes can also help slow down myopia progression. For example, taking regular breaks from near-vision tasks, spending daily time outdoors, and avoiding excessive screen time. Newer options such as bifocal contact lenses and atropine eye drops are being studied in the ongoing search for an effective treatment for myopia.
Myopia typically emerges in childhood and often levels off by the teen years, but it can worsen during growth spurts or as the result of stress on the eyes from too much close work. If it continues into adulthood, the condition can lead to a higher risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.
It is recommended that children have regular eye exams, starting at age 6. This helps detect and treat early signs of myopia or other eye problems. In addition, children who are at high risk of developing nearsightedness due to a family history, early age of onset, or extended periods of near vision should consider treatment options that have been shown to reduce the rate of progression such as bifocal contact lenses, orthokeratology, eye drops and atropine eye drops. Your eye care professional can recommend the best course of action for your child’s unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can myopia be prevented?
A1: While there is no guaranteed method to prevent myopia, certain measures may help reduce its progression, such as spending time outdoors, practicing good reading habits, and maintaining proper lighting conditions.
Q2: Can myopia worsen over time?
A2: Myopia can progress during childhood and adolescence, often stabilizing in adulthood. However, it is essential to monitor the condition regularly and seek appropriate corrective measures.
Q3: Is LASIK surgery a permanent solution for myopia?
A3: LASIK surgery can provide a long-term solution for nearsightedness. However, it’s important to note that individual results may vary, and there can be potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.
Q4: Can myopia affect children’s academic performance?
A4: Uncorrected nearsightedness can potentially impact a child’s academic performance due to difficulty seeing the board or reading materials. Early detection and proper correction are crucial to ensure optimal visual function.
Conclusion
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects many individuals. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for myopia, you can take proactive steps to manage the condition and maintain good eye health. Regular eye examinations and consultation with eye care professionals are key to addressing nearsightedness effectively and preserving clear vision.