Myopia

Myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This occurs when the eyeball is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, or when the cornea has too much curvature. As a result, light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina, rather than directly on it, causing distant vision to be unclear.

Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptoms of myopia include:

• Blurry Vision at a Distance: Difficulty seeing objects that are far away, such as road signs or the television.
• Squinting: Straining your eyes to see clearly, which can lead to eye fatigue and headaches.
• Eye Strain and Headaches: Frequent headaches or discomfort around the eyes due to the effort of focusing on distant objects.
• Difficulty Seeing at Night: Reduced ability to see clearly in low-light conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors

Myopia can develop due to various factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of myopia increases the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Environmental Factors: Extended periods of close-up work, such as reading or using digital devices, may contribute to the development or progression of myopia.
• Age: Myopia often begins in childhood and may progress until the late teens or early twenties.

Diagnosis of Myopia

A comprehensive eye examination is required to diagnose myopia. During the exam, our eye care professionals will:

• Conduct a Visual Acuity Test: Measure how well you can see at various distances using an eye chart.
• Perform a Refraction Test: Determine the specific prescription needed to correct your vision using a phoropter or automated refractor.
• Evaluate Eye Health: Assess the overall health of your eyes and check for any underlying conditions that may affect your vision.

Treatment Options for Myopia

• Eyeglasses:

  • Eyeglasses are the most common and simplest way to correct myopia. They use concave lenses to adjust the focal point of light entering the eye, allowing for clearer distance vision.

• Contact Lenses:

  • Contact lenses provide a more versatile solution for myopia and can offer a wider field of vision compared to eyeglasses. They come in various types, including daily, monthly, and specialty lenses.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

  • Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed gas permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This non-surgical approach can provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

• Refractive Surgery:

  • LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A popular surgical option that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, improving the eye’s ability to focus light accurately on the retina.
  • PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK, PRK involves reshaping the cornea with a laser but does not require creating a corneal flap. It is suitable for certain corneal conditions or thinner corneas.

• Atropine Eye Drops:

  • Low-dose atropine eye drops may be prescribed to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to reduce eye growth.

Managing Myopia

• Regular Eye Exams: Routine eye examinations are essential to monitor the progression of myopia and update your prescription as needed.
• Healthy Visual Habits: Implement practices such as taking breaks from close-up work, ensuring proper lighting, and engaging in outdoor activities to support eye health.
• Education and Awareness: Stay informed about myopia and its management options to make proactive decisions about your eye care.