Myopia: Understanding Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you have ever squinted to read a distant road sign or struggled to recognise a face from across the street, you are not alone. 

Myopia, or nearsightedness, affects millions of people in India. It’s a common condition in which far-away objects appear blurry while close-up objects are clear. Myopia often develops during childhood, and with today’s digital lifestyles, the number of people affected is rising. But the good news is that there are effective treatments to help you see clearly again, whether it’s glasses, contact lenses, or advanced solutions like LASIK surgery.

What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?

Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness. It is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry and nearby objects can be seen clearly. This happens because the eye’s shape causes light to focus in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. As a result, images from a distance lose sharpness. 

Myopia is one of the most common vision problems worldwide, and it’s especially prevalent among children and teenagers in India.

The condition can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, you may only need glasses for specific tasks like driving or watching TV. However, in more serious cases, individuals might require glasses or contact lenses at all times. While genetics play a big role, lifestyle factors, such as excessive screen time or prolonged near work, may contribute to the progression of myopia.

Early diagnosis is important because, without correction, myopia can worsen over time, affecting not just vision but quality of life. Fortunately, modern treatments make managing myopia simpler than ever.

Causes of Myopia

Myopia is primarily caused by an eyeball elongation or an overly curved cornea. When this happens, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurry distance vision. Several factors can contribute to the development of myopia.

Genetics is one of key myopia causes. If one or both parents have myopia, there’s a higher chance that their children will also develop the condition. This is why myopia tends to run in families.

Lifestyle habits are another of the important myopia causes. Prolonged activities that require intense focus on nearby objects, such as reading or using digital devices, exacerbate myopia. In recent years, the increased screen time due to smartphones, tablets, and computers has been linked to the progression of myopia cases, particularly among children in India.

Spending too much time indoors and not enough time outdoors has also been associated with the development of myopia. Studies suggest that spending more time outdoors may reduce the risk of myopia progression, although the exact reasons remain under investigation.

Constantly straining the eyes to focus on objects, especially in poor lighting conditions, can also contribute e to eye strain, though its direct link to myopia progression is still being studied.

Myopia Symptoms

Myopia symptoms are often easy to spot. They start interfering with everyday activities. If you find yourself struggling to see distant objects clearly, it could be a sign of myopia. 

Here are some common myopia symptoms to look out for.

1. Blurry Vision at a Distance: This is the hallmark symptom of myopia. Objects far away, such as road signs, a blackboard in school, or faces across the room, may appear blurry or out of focus.

2. Squinting to See Clearly: Squinting helps temporarily improve focus by narrowing the light entering the eyes. It could be a sign of short-sightedness if you find yourself squinting frequently to see things clearly.

3. Eye Strain or Headaches: Constantly straining your eyes to focus on distant objects can lead to eye fatigue and frequent headaches, especially after prolonged visual tasks.

4. Difficulty Seeing at Night: Myopia can make it especially difficult to see clearly in low light conditions, like while driving at night.

Nearsightedness: Myopia Types

Myopia comes in different forms, each affecting vision in unique ways.

Simple myopia is the most common type, usually caused by a slightly longer eyeball. It typically develops during childhood and can progress until the eye stops growing in early adulthood.

In severe cases, the eyeball becomes excessively elongated, resulting in high myopia. This type increases the risk of serious eye problems later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

Degenerative myopia, also known as pathological myopia, is a rare form that worsens rapidly and can lead to significant vision loss. It’s usually inherited and may require advanced treatments to manage its progression.

 Myopia Diagnosis

Diagnosing myopia is straightforward and can be done during a routine eye examination. If you suspect myopia, getting your eyes checked by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist is important.

Visual Acuity Test: This is the classic eye chart test in which you read letters or symbols from a distance. It helps determine how you can see objects at different distances and is the first step in identifying myopia.

Refraction Test: During this test, a series of lenses are placed in front of your eyes to measure how light focuses on your retina. The optometrist will ask you which lens provides the clearest vision to determine the exact level of correction needed.

Retinoscopy: This test helps the doctor observe how light reflects off your retina. It’s useful in diagnosing myopia and other refractive errors like hypermetropia.  In some cases, especially in children, a cycloplegic refraction test may ensure more accurate results by temporarily paralysing the eye’s accommodation.

Myopia Treatment Options

Treating myopia can range from simple solutions like corrective lenses to more advanced procedures. Let’s explore the common ways to correct nearsightedness.

Myopia Lenses

Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most common myopia treatment. Myopia lens are designed to bend light rays so they focus correctly on the retina, allowing clear vision at a distance. Glasses are an easy and affordable option, while contact lenses, including special myopia lenses, provide a wider field of view and can be more convenient for some people. Both options are widely available and highly effective in correcting vision.

Advanced Treatments

For those looking for a more permanent myopia treatment, advanced treatments like LASIK surgery and implantable contact lenses are popular.  While these treatments improve vision, it’s important to note that they do not stop the progression of myopia. LASIK reshapes the cornea, improving how light focuses on the retina, while implantable lenses are surgically placed inside the eye to correct vision. These options are particularly useful for individuals with high myopia or those who want to reduce their dependency on glasses and contact lenses. Consulting with specialists like those at Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital can help you choose the best option.

Risk factors of Myopia

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing myopia. While genetics play a major role, lifestyle and environmental factors are also significant contributors.

If one or both of your parents have myopia, your chances of developing it are significantly higher. Myopia often runs in families, making it a key genetic factor.

In today’s screen-oriented world, many people, especially children, spend long hours in front of screens. Prolonged close-up work like reading or using smartphones can increase the risk of worsening myopia.

Studies show that children who spend more time outdoors in natural light are less likely to develop myopia. Urban lifestyles, with limited exposure to outdoor activities, have contributed to the rising number of myopia cases in India.

Myopia that begins in early childhood is more likely to worsen over time. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow down the progression of the condition.

Tips to Prevent or Slow Down the Progression of Myopia

While myopia cannot always be prevented, there are several ways to slow down its progression and protect your vision.

Limit Screen Time: One of the easiest ways to reduce eye strain is to limit time spent on digital devices. Encourage children to take frequent breaks from screen-based activities and avoid using smartphones or tablets for extended periods.

Spend Time Outdoors: Research has shown that spending time outdoors in natural light may help slow down myopia progression in children. Encourage outdoor play and activities that break the eyes from focusing on close-up objects.

Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit helps reduce eye strain and can be especially helpful for those who spend long hours in front of screens.

Regular Eye Exams: Get your eyes checked regularly, especially for children. Early detection of myopia can help with timely treatment and management, reducing the risk of it worsening.

Conclusion

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is a common condition affecting people of all ages. While it may seem minor, addressing myopia early can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life. 

There are many ways to manage myopia effectively, whether through corrective lenses, advanced treatments like LASIK surgery, or lifestyle changes to reduce eye strain. Regular eye check-ups and seeking advice from specialists, such as those at Nethradhama Super Specialty Eye Hospital, can ensure you get the best care for your vision. Taking steps today can help you see the world more clearly tomorrow.