Myopia-Nearsightedness: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Meaning and Definition of Myopia(Nearsightedness)

Myopia is a pathology of the refractive power of the eye, in which the image is not focused on the retina, but in the plane in front of it. This is why a person is good at seeing small objects up close, but the farther away they are, the harder it is to see them. In the last 15 years, myopia is observed in many people, according to the World Health Organization, myopia affects about 30% of the world's population. Myopia most commonly occurs between the ages of 7 and 18. The disease can remain stable, or it can progress.

Ophthalmologists distinguish several forms of myopia:

• congenital (a form in which there are changes in the structures of the eyeball, there is a genetic predisposition);
• acquired (the form in which the disease occurs due to unfavorable external factors, its development can be stopped).

Ophthalmologists note that if myopia increases by 1 diopter or more per year, it indicates rapidly progressing myopia, which requires instrumental studies to determine the right treatment tactics for the patient. If the disease is not detected in time, it can lead to rapid progression of myopia and a sharp deterioration of vision. On the degree of myopia depend on the methods and methods of treatment. At the first symptoms of the disease, ophthalmologists recommend seeking help to prevent the development of myopia. Myopia, is defined as a condition in which the eye can see close objects clearly, but cannot see distant objects clearly. The term “myopia” comes from the Greek word “myops”, which means “short-sighted”.

Causes of Myopia(Nearsightedness)

The most common cause of the disease is heredity. If at least one parent suffers from myopia, the probability of the child developing it increases by 30%. If both parents suffer from myopia, the chance that the child will develop myopia increases to 50%.

Myopia can occur for the following reasons:

• Unfavorable conditions of visual load (hours of work at the computer with improper lighting or improper seating while reading and writing);
• Improperly selected glasses or lenses, it is necessary to use optics only as prescribed by an ophthalmologist;
• Unbalanced nutrition, namely the lack of useful macro- and microelements to improve vision (zinc, magnesium, copper).

So the main causes of myopia include genetic and environmental factors. If one or both parents suffer from myopia, the likelihood of children developing the condition increases significantly. Environmental factors such as prolonged reading, computer work and lack of time spent outdoors can also contribute to the development of myopia.

Symptoms of Myopia(Nearsightedness)

Common symptoms of myopia include:

• squinting to improve vision;
• eye fatigue and headaches;
• difficulty driving, especially at night;
• painful sensations and a feeling of sand in the eyes;
• persistent tearing;
• blurred visibility of objects in the distance;
• the need to squint in order to see an object in the distance;
• orbital pain in the projection of the eye or behind it;
• rapid eye fatigue, even with minor visual load.

If you have similar symptoms of this disease, it is recommended to make an appointment with an ophthalmologist and we recommend you to do our eye exercises. Timely diagnosis of the disease will prevent negative consequences for your health.

Diagnosis of Myopia(Nearsightedness)

Myopia is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes refractive assessment and eye health testing. The doctor may use a variety of tools to measure how light rays focus on the retina and determine the degree of refractive error.

Treatment and Management of Myopia(Nearsightedness)

There are several methods for treating and managing myopia:

• Eyeglasses: The most common and easiest method of correcting myopia. Glasses for myopia use concave lenses to help focus light properly on the retina.
• Contact Lenses: Provide a wider angle of vision and are an alternative to glasses. However, they require hygiene to prevent infections.
• Refractive Surgery: Procedures such as LASIK and PRK reshape the cornea to correct refractive error. Implantable collamer lenses (ICL) are another option, especially for high myopia.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specialty contact lenses worn at night to temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision during the day.

While there is no definitive treatment for myopia, there are various methods that can effectively correct and manage the condition. Regular ophthalmic eye exercises and appropriate corrective measures can help maintain good vision and prevent complications.

High myopia

High myopia is a severe form of myopia in which the refractive error is significantly greater than -6.00 diopters. It increases the risk of developing other eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.

Pediatric Myopia(Nearsightedness)

Pediatric myopia is becoming increasingly common, and many children develop the condition at an early age. Early detection and management of myopia is critical to prevent its progression. Encouraging outdoor activities and limiting time spent in front of screens can help reduce the risk.

Eye Exercises and Prevention of Myopia(Nearsightedness)

Prevention of myopia requires a comprehensive approach. It is necessary to follow the following recommendations:

• Regularly perform therapeutic exercises for the eyes can help reduce eye fatigue and improve the ability to focus, although they do not cure myopia. These exercises include focusing on distant objects, eye rotation, and palming.
• Balance your diet, include in the menu products rich in protein, vitamins and trace elements.
• Improve the state of vision will help not only medications, but also eye massage, which can be carried out independently.
• Watch the lighting - visual exercises should take place using daylight.
• As a rule, with myopia up to 3 diopters, sports are not prohibited, more than 3 diopters - you can not lift weights, as well as engage in certain types of physical activity.
• Use glasses or lenses selected by an ophthalmologist.
• Perform an ophthalmologic diagnosis. Examination of the eye fundus with a wide pupil to monitor the state of the retina and ultrasound measurement of the longitudinal size of the eye - at least once every six months.
• On the recommendations of the attending ophthalmologist, additional preventive measures may be prescribed: swimming in the pool, health-improving massage.

Compliance with preventive measures will not only help to reduce the risks of myopia development, but in some cases will also reduce the rate of development of the existing disease.