Myopia (Near-sightedness)
Myopia or nearsightedness is a condition of the eye (or vision) in which closer objects are seen more clearly whereas distant ones appear to be blurred. It is a refractive error or a focusing disorder.
Causes
Myopia occurs when the focusing elements (eye lens and cornea) of the eye do not have a smooth curvature as the normal eye. In myopia, either the eye lens is longer than normal, or the cornea is curved too steep. As a result, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
Symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms of myopia include:
- Eye strain and resultant headaches
- Objects farther appear blurred
- Difficulty while driving, especially at night
- Difficulty seeing far objects such as road signs
- Squinting or partially closing eyes to see properly
- Blinking excessively
- Rubbing eyes frequently
- Sitting closer to screens or in front of the classroom to see clearly
Diagnosis
Myopia is usually diagnosed with a basic eye examination.
- Eye examination
- Refraction assessment
- Eye health exam
Prevention
There are no known exact ways to prevent myopia. Progression of the condition can be reduced by the following measures:
- Increase daylight exposure
- Use diluted atropine eye drops
- Reduce screen time
- Regular eye examination
- Reduce eye strain
- Use good lighting
Treatment
There is no best method for the treatment of myopia. The major treatment goal is to attain a clearer vision by focusing light rays on the retina. Treatment methods include:
- Corrective lenses or prescription lenses to improve vision. They can be eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- Refractive surgery: a surgical procedure used to reshape the cornea using laser beams. There are different types of refractive surgery.
- Low doses of atropine eye drop help in reducing the progression of the condition.
- Orthokeratology is a treatment method used to temporarily reshape the cornea to improve vision.
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