What Is Myopia?
Myopia, also called nearsightedness, is a common eye problem where distant objects appear blurry, but nearby objects are clear. It happens because the eye is either too long, or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is curved more than normal. This causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making far-away objects hard to see.
Causes of Myopia
1. Genetics
Myopia often runs in families. If one or both parents have myopia, their children are more likely to develop it too.
2. Lifestyle and Environment
Spending a lot of time on activities like reading, writing, or using screens can increase the risk of myopia. Children who don’t spend enough time outdoors are also more likely to develop myopia.
3. Eye Shape
In myopia, the eyeball might grow too long, or the cornea could be too curved. These changes affect how light focuses on the retina.
Symptoms of Myopia
1. Blurry Distance Vision
People with myopia find it hard to see objects that are far away, like road signs or classroom boards.
2. Eye Strain and Headaches
Struggling to focus on distant objects can cause discomfort, headaches, or tired eyes.
3. Squinting to See Clearly
Squinting is a common way people try to make their vision sharper.
4. Problems with Night Vision
Many people with myopia have difficulty seeing clearly in low-light conditions, such as driving at night.
How Is Myopia Diagnosed?
1. Eye Exams
An eye doctor can check for myopia during a routine eye exam. They may ask you to read letters on a chart and test how well your eyes focus on objects.
2. Refraction Test
This test helps determine the right prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
Treatment Options for Myopia
1. Glasses and Contact Lenses
Wearing glasses or contact lenses is the most common way to correct myopia. These devices help focus light correctly on the retina so you can see clearly.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
This involves wearing special hard contact lenses at night that temporarily reshape the cornea. It allows clear vision during the day without glasses or lenses.
3. Laser Surgery
Procedures like LASIK or SMILE use lasers to reshape the cornea and correct myopia permanently. These are good options for adults who want to stop using glasses or lenses.
4. Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine drops can help slow the progression of myopia in children. These are usually prescribed by a doctor and used under supervision.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Simple changes, like reducing screen time, taking breaks during close-up work, and spending more time outdoors, can help manage myopia and stop it from getting worse.
What Happens If Myopia Is Not Treated?
1. High Myopia
Without treatment, myopia can worsen and lead to high myopia, increasing the risk of serious eye problems like:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
2. Vision Loss
Severe cases of untreated myopia can lead to permanent vision problems or blindness, affecting your ability to perform daily activities.
Tips to Prevent Myopia from Getting Worse
1. Regular Eye Check-ups
Visit an eye doctor regularly, especially for children, to catch and treat myopia early.
2. Spend Time Outdoors
Encourage at least 2 hours of outdoor play or activities daily. Natural light helps keep the eyes healthy.
3. Take Breaks from Screens
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.
4. Use Proper Lighting
Make sure your workspace is well-lit to avoid putting extra strain on your eyes.
Dr. Ankita Patil – Children’s Eye Doctor in Nerul, Navi Mumbai
Dr. Ankita Patil is a children’s eye doctor in Nerul, Navi Mumbai, specializing in diagnosing and treating various pediatric eye conditions, including myopia, lazy eye (amblyopia), and squint (strabismus). With a gentle approach tailored to children’s needs