MYOPIA
Myopia is a vision condition that occurs when light focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface
- People suffering from myopia are able to see near object clearly while objects that are far are blurry.
- Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is the most common eye problem, estimated to affect about 22% of the population.
- Uncorrected myopia is one of the most common causes of vision impairment across the globe.
- Myopia is a progressive condition that starts in childhood.
CAUSES
- Two parts of the eyes focus image, the cornea, and the lens.
- The cornea and the lens has a perfectly smooth curvature, in normally shaped eyes.
- This means that the all incoming light bends (refracts0 to make a sharply focused image directly at the back of the eye, on the retina.
- A cornea and lens that are not evenly and smoothly curved do not refract light rays properly. This is known as a refractive error.
- Myopia occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal and the lens is steeply shaped.
- This allows light rays to stay focused in front of the retina instead of on the retina
Certain risk may predispose an individual to a greater risk of developing myopia, such as:
Genetics. The condition tends to run in the family. A child may have a high risk of developing the condition if one of the parents is myopic and a higher risk if both parents are myopic.
Environmental condition may increase the chances of developing myopia.
Reading and close-up works. Such as doing a lot of reading, writing, computer work.
SYMPTOMS
- Headaches from eye strain
- Blurry vision when gazing at distant objects
- Squinting or closing the eyelids partially to see.
Myopia is first detected at childhood and diagnosed between the early school years through the teens. A child with myopia may:
- Blink excessively
- Rub eyes more often
- Persistently squint
- Need to sit closer to a screen or the front of the classroom.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis may include a comprehensive eye assessment including a refractive evaluation and an eye health exam to be performed by an eye care professional.
TREATMENT
Corrective lenses including glasses and contact lenses or refractive surgery can all correct myopia.
Corrective lenses refract or bend the light entering the eye in a way that the image is focused onto the retina.
Corrective lenses may include eyeglasses or contact lenses
Eyeglasses are a simple and safe way to improve vision caused by myopia. Eyeglasses lenses range from single vision, bifocals and progressive multifocal.
Contact lenses are worn on the eyes. Ask your doctor about what is best for you and the pros and cons of using a contact lens.
Refractive surgery includes procedures that alter the structure of the cornea. These surgical procedure uses a laser beam to reshape the cornea, and may include:
- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK)
- Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)
- Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)
Alternative medicines or therapies have been said to improve myopia. Eyes exercises, vision therapy, various eye therapy are some of the therapies that may help.