What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that affects the way the eye focuses light. People with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry or out of focus. Myopia is a common condition that affects approximately one in three people in the United States and is becoming increasingly common worldwide.
In a normal eye, light entering the eye is focused on the retina, a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that contains light-sensitive cells called photoreceptors. The photoreceptors send visual signals to the brain, allowing us to see. In people with myopia, the eye is longer than normal, or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is more curved than normal, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This leads to blurred vision when looking at distant objects.
Myopia usually develops in childhood and often progresses until the late teenage years or early adulthood. The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role. Children with one or both parents who have myopia are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Spending long periods of time doing near work, such as reading or using a computer, may also increase the risk of myopia.
The most common symptom of myopia is blurry vision when looking at distant objects, but other symptoms may include eye strain, headaches, and squinting. Children with myopia may have difficulty seeing the board in school or may hold books very close to their face when reading. Adults with myopia may have difficulty driving or recognizing faces at a distance.
Myopia is typically diagnosed with a comprehensive eye exam, which includes a visual acuity test and a refraction test to determine the degree of nearsightedness. An eye doctor may also perform other tests to rule out any underlying eye conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
Treatment for myopia usually involves corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, which help to refocus light onto the retina. There are several types of lenses available for myopia, including single-vision lenses, bifocal lenses, and progressive lenses. Another option for correcting myopia is refractive surgery, which can permanently reshape the cornea to improve vision.
In addition to corrective lenses, there are several other treatments that may help to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children. One approach is called orthokeratology, or “ortho-k,” which involves wearing specially designed contact lenses that reshape the cornea while sleeping. Another approach is called atropine eye drops, which dilate the pupil and temporarily paralyze the eye’s focusing mechanism, helping to slow down the progression of myopia.
Overall, myopia is a common condition that affects many people, but it can be effectively managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. Regular eye exams are important for detecting myopia and other eye conditions early, when they are most treatable.