Myopia

Myopia is a condition where the eye cannot see distant objects clearly, resulting in blurred or unclear vision. Myopic individuals can see objects up close more clearly, but distant objects appear blurry or out of focus. This condition typically arises due to a defect in the eye's optical system.

Myopia

1. What Is Myopia?
2. What Are the Symptoms of Myopia?
3. How Is Myopia Diagnosed?
4. What Is the Treatment for Myopia?

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry or out of focus. People with myopia can typically see objects up close clearly, but objects in the distance may appear blurred or unclear. This condition often results from a defect in the eye's optical system.

In a normal eye, when light enters the eye, it is refracted or bent by the cornea and lens to focus on the retina. The retina contains cells that perceive the image, and this information is sent to the brain through the optic nerve. However, in a myopic eye, the shape of the cornea and/or lens is distorted, or the eye's front-to-back length is longer than normal. As a result, the light focuses in front of the retina rather than on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry.

Myopia is often attributed to genetic factors and can progress rapidly during childhood or adolescence. Prolonged near work, such as reading, working in low-light conditions, and the incorrect use of glasses or contact lenses, can also contribute to the development of myopia. Common methods for correcting myopia include glasses, contact lenses, or eye surgery. Glasses or contact lenses correct the refractive error to provide clear vision, while eye surgery, such as laser procedures, reshapes the cornea to correct myopia.

What Are the Symptoms of Myopia?

• Blurred distance vision: Individuals with myopia find it difficult to see distant objects clearly. For example, they may have trouble reading the writing on a school chalkboard or signs on the road from a distance. Objects up close are typically seen more clearly.
• Eye fatigue: Myopic individuals may experience eye fatigue, particularly after prolonged periods of using their eyes intensively. This can include activities like computer use, reading, or other visually demanding tasks. Symptoms may include eye aches, burning sensations, or discomfort.
• Straining: Difficulty in seeing distant objects clearly may lead myopic individuals to strain their eyes. This can involve making an effort to focus on far-away objects and squinting.
• Headaches: Extended periods of blurred or strained vision can result in overworked eye muscles and subsequent headaches. Headaches often occur after prolonged use of the eyes.
• Difficulty with night vision: Myopic individuals may have more difficulty seeing clearly in low-light or nighttime conditions. Glare and halos from headlights and other light sources may become more pronounced.

Symptoms of myopia can vary from person to person and may be related to the degree of myopia. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above or believe you have a vision problem, it is advisable to consult an eye doctor. An eye doctor can conduct a thorough eye examination to diagnose myopia and recommend appropriate treatment options.

How Is Myopia Diagnosed?

• Eye examination: An eye doctor begins the diagnosis by taking a patient's vision history, discussing symptoms and complaints.
• Eye tests: Various eye tests are used for diagnosis, including:
• Visual acuity test: This test evaluates a patient's ability to see objects clearly at different distances. It is typically performed using an eye chart (Snellen chart).
• Refraction test: The eye doctor measures the patient's refractive error (the degree of myopia) using instruments like a refractometer or a phoropter. In this test, a series of lenses are presented to the patient, and the ones that provide the clearest vision are used to determine the prescription.
• Ophthalmoscopy: The eye doctor examines the inside of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels, using an instrument called an ophthalmoscope.
• Pupil dilation: Special eye drops may be used to dilate the pupils, allowing the eye doctor to get a better view of the inside of the eye and diagnose myopia more accurately.
• Biometry: In some cases, biometry is used to assess the eye's optical properties more thoroughly. This test measures the dimensions of the front and back of the eye, corneal thickness, and refractive power.

By utilizing one or more of these methods, an eye doctor can diagnose myopia and determine the degree of myopia accurately. After a diagnosis is made, the eye doctor continues with the eye examination to assess the extent of myopia and evaluate suitable treatment options.

What Is the Treatment for Myopia?

• Glasses or contact lenses: The most common treatment for myopia is the use of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. These optical corrections ensure that incoming light is properly focused on the retina, resulting in clear vision. Glasses or lenses are custom-made to the prescription recommended by the eye doctor.
• Laser eye surgery: Laser eye surgery is an option for permanent correction of myopia. Procedures such as LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) or PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) reshape the cornea to correct the