What is Myopia (Nearsighted vision)?

Is it hard to read signs in the distance but reading a book or a menu seems fine? Chances are you’re myopic, also known as nearsightedness. Read on to find out more about the causes of Myopia.

Myopia (nearsighted vision) is one of the common refractive errors in which you can view objects near to you clearly, but things further away are blurry.

Nearsighted causes and risk factors

Myopia occurs when your eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved. This causes light that enters your eye to focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on its surface.

Nearsightedness is usually tied to genetic factors such as ethnicity, age, and parental myopia. However, there are other reasons for nearsightedness development as well. Remember how your parents told you not to look at the computer screen for too long? Environmental factors such as the amount of near work could play a part as well.

Nearsighted Symptoms

The most noticeable symptom is that distant objects may appear blurry. Other symptoms you may notice:

  • Squinting of eyes to see clearly
  • Eyestrain
  • Headaches caused by eyestrain
  • Eye fatigue when trying to see distant objects

Blurry vision at a distance does not automatically mean you have myopia, it could mean something else. 

If you are experiencing any visual blurriness, schedule an appointment with an eye care professional near you for a consultation.

Childhood Myopia

Genetic factors are one of the causes of myopia in a child. Nearsightedness often begins in childhood and your child may have a higher risk if you are myopic. As a parent, you should make sure to watch for the following signs:

  • Sitting closer to the television 
  • Moving closer to objects to read them
  • Having trouble seeing the whiteboard in the classroom
  • Unaware of distant objects
  • Squinting persistently
  • Blinking excessively

If your child has nearsightedness, you can learn more about managing myopia progression in children here.

Nearsighted treatment

When you have myopia, your prescription for your eyeglasses or contact lenses will be a negative number. The higher the number, the more nearsighted you are, i.e. -2.00 is stronger than -1.50. Nearsightedness can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses for nearsightedness is one way for a clearer vision at a distance. There are many types of lenses for you to choose from. To protect your eyes from permanent damages, consider getting a photochromic lens to protect yourself from UV rays, and filter harmful blue light from your digital screen. If you are over 40, you may need progressive lenses.

Contact Lenses

Do you have an active lifestyle such as participating in sports frequently? Do you simply prefer contact lenses over glasses? Contact lenses may be the better choice for you. 

Speak to the nearest eye care professional today about the different eyeglasses and contact lens options for you. Book an appointment

Refractive Surgery

If you find wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses troublesome, refractive surgery such as Lasik or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) may be another option. 

  • PRK flattens your cornea and allows light rays to focus closer on the retina. 
  • Lasik surgery creates a thin flap on the surface of your cornea and a laser is used to remove some corneal tissue, before moving the flap back into place.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

There is also a non-surgical procedure for Myopia where you wear a custom made, special gas permeable contact lens overnight, allowing it to reshape the cornea of your eyes as you sleep. When you remove the lenses in the morning, the shape of your cornea is temporarily retained, allowing you to see clearly without eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Refractive surgery and Ortho-K treatment depend on the condition of your eyes and not everyone qualifies for it. 

Speak to an eye doctor today to find out more about such treatments. Book an appointment

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