What is myopia?
Myopia makes it difficult to see objects from afar, but it has treatment. Know your symptoms
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Nearsightedness is an eye condition in which a person sees close objects clearly and distant objects blurry. She is extremely common. According to American Optometric Association, nearly 30% of Americans are short-sighted. By the year 2050, half of the world's population will have myopia, and the condition is expected to grow more in Brazil than in the US. But the good news is that myopia is treatable.
myopia symptoms
The most obvious symptom of myopia is blurred vision when looking at distant objects. Children may have difficulty seeing the chalkboard at school. Adults may not be able to see traffic signs clearly.
Other nearsighted symptoms include:
- Headaches;
- Eye pain or tiredness;
- Strabismus.
These symptoms usually disappear with the use of proper glasses or contact lenses. Headaches and eyestrain may last from one to two weeks to fully adapt to the new glasses or contact lens.
Risk Factors for Myopia
According to National Eye Institute, myopia is often diagnosed between the ages of 8 and 12 years. At this age, the eyes are developing, so their shape can change. Adults can also become shortsighted due to certain health conditions such as diabetes.
Visual stress is another risk factor for myopia. Reading, using a computer or doing very detailed work are examples of visual activities that are stressful for the eyes.
However, myopia can also be an inherited condition. If one or both of the parents are nearsighted, the child is likely to be too.
How myopia works
Myopia is caused by an error of refraction. This type of error occurs when the eye does not focus light correctly, resulting in blurred vision.
The retina is the surface at the back of the eye that captures light. It turns light into electrical impulses that the brain reads as images.
A nearsighted eye focuses incorrectly as its shape is slightly abnormal. A nearsighted eyeball is usually a little too long, and sometimes its cornea (the transparent covering in front of the eye) is too rounded.
Correction for myopia
The ophthalmologist can diagnose myopia by performing a complete eye exam.
Correction for myopia may include:
- corrective lenses;
- Corneal refractive therapy;
- Refractive surgery.
Glasses and contact lenses are examples of myopia correctors. These devices compensate for corneal curvature or elongation of the eye by shifting the focus of light as it enters the eye.
The relevance of the prescription will depend on how far the person can see. It may be necessary to wear corrective lenses all the time or just for certain activities, such as driving.
Contact lenses generally offer a wider field of corrected vision than eyeglasses. They are applied directly to the corneas of the eyes. However, some patients cannot tolerate contact lenses because they irritate the surface of the eyes.
Refractive surgery is a permanent form of correction for myopia. Also called laser eye surgery, the procedure reshapes the cornea to focus light on the retina. Most people who have refractive eye surgery no longer need to wear contact lenses or glasses.
Most patients with myopia see marked improvement with treatment. And if it is done early, it can prevent social and academic difficulties that tend to accompany visual impairment.
Avoiding myopia
Myopia cannot be prevented. However, according to Mayo Clinic, some research suggests that its appearance can be delayed.To help delay myopia:
- Visit your eye doctor regularly;
- Wear corrective lenses prescribed by your ophthalmologist;
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection (they also prevent other damage from blue light);
- Wear protective eyewear when performing hazardous activities such as using toxic chemicals;
- Take regular breaks from detailed work, such as looking at your computer screen;
- Manage chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes;
- Maintain a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids;
- Avoid smoking.
