Myopia - Causes, Symptoms, and Management

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is one of the most prevalent refractive errors worldwide. It affects the ability to see distant objects clearly, making them appear blurry, while close objects remain in focus. With a significant rise in its global prevalence, understanding myopia has become increasingly critical to maintaining eye health and quality of life.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a condition in which light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This misfocus occurs because of either excessive elongation of the eyeball (axial myopia) or an overly steep curvature of the cornea or lens. As a result, images of distant objects appear blurry.

Myopia typically develops during childhood and often stabilizes in early adulthood. However, in some cases, it may progress into high myopia, increasing the risk of severe eye complications.

Causes of Myopia

The development of myopia is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors:

Genetics: A family history of myopia significantly increases the likelihood of developing the condition.

Prolonged Near Work: Activities such as reading, writing, and using digital devices for extended periods have been linked to myopia progression, especially in children.

Lack of Outdoor Activity: Studies have shown that spending less time outdoors may contribute to the onset and progression of myopia due to reduced exposure to natural light.

Environmental Factors: Urbanization and modern lifestyles, which involve higher reliance on screens and indoor activities, have also been associated with an increased prevalence of myopia.

Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred vision when looking at distant objects. Other symptoms may include:

1. Squinting or straining the eyes to see clearly.

2. Headaches caused by eye strain.

3. Difficulty seeing road signs or objects in the distance.

4. Experiencing fatigue when driving, especially at night.

Types of Myopia

Myopia can be classified into the following categories:

1. Simple Myopia: The most common form, characterized by mild to moderate difficulty seeing distant objects.

2. High Myopia: A severe form where the refractive error exceeds -6.00 diopters. This type is associated with an increased risk of complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

3. Pathological Myopia: Also known as degenerative myopia, this rare form progresses rapidly and is often associated with structural changes in the eye.

Diagnosis of Myopia

Myopia is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination, which includes:

Visual Acuity Test: Measures the ability to see clearly at various distances.

Refraction Test: Determines the precise prescription needed to correct vision.

Slit-Lamp Examination and Retinal Imaging: Helps detect any associated complications, especially in cases of high or pathological myopia.

Treatment and Management Options

The treatment and management of myopia aim to correct vision and, in some cases, slow its progression.

Corrective Lenses:

Glasses: The most common and non-invasive method to correct myopia.

Contact Lenses: Provide a wider field of vision and may be preferred for certain activities.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):

Specially designed rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This method is particularly effective in managing myopia in children.

Pharmaceutical Treatments:

Low-dose atropine eye drops have shown promise in slowing myopia progression, particularly in children and adolescents.

Refractive Surgery:

Procedures such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE reshape the cornea to correct myopia. These are typically considered for adults whose vision has stabilized.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Encourage spending more time outdoors, as natural light may help slow myopia progression.

Limit screen time and near work activities, taking regular breaks to reduce eye strain.

Complications Associated with Myopia

1. High myopia and pathological myopia increase the risk of complications that can severely affect vision, including:

2. Retinal Detachment: The elongation of the eye increases the risk of the retina pulling away from its underlying tissue.

3. Glaucoma: Elevated intraocular pressure may develop due to structural changes in the eye.

4. Myopic Macular Degeneration: Progressive damage to the central retina can lead to irreversible vision loss.

Preventing Myopia Progression

While myopia cannot always be prevented, certain steps can minimize its progression:

1. Encourage Outdoor Play: Spending two hours or more outdoors daily can reduce the risk of myopia in children.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

3. Adequate Lighting: Ensure proper lighting when reading or working to reduce eye strain.

4. Regular Eye Exams: Early detection through regular checkups can lead to timely intervention.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic treatment for myopia is a manageable condition with the right combination of corrective measures and lifestyle adjustments. Advances in treatments, particularly for slowing its progression in children, have provided hope for reducing the long-term impact of myopia. By prioritizing early diagnosis and implementing effective management strategies, individuals with myopia can maintain good vision and minimize the risks of associated complications.

Netra Eye Institute 

5001 Hadley Rd, Ste 210, South Plainfield, NJ 07080

(732) 503 9999