What is Nearsightedness: All the Information One Must Know!

Jun 03, 2019

What is Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness or Myopia is a vision condition in which a person can see the nearby objects clearly, however, farther objects seem to be blurry. In nearsightedness, the point of focus is in front of the retina, which makes the distant objects look blurry. It is a common vision condition and tends to run in families as well.

One can wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct the condition. But, for the permanent solution, one can opt for surgery.

Myopia Symptoms

One of the symptoms of Myopia is blurry vision when looking at far off objects. Individuals may get to know about it when they have to squint their eyes to see things. Headache, strain, and fatigue,etc. are related condition. Nearsightedness is first spotted in childhood in school years. Parents can get to know about it by seeing their children sitting near the t.v. to see it clearly, by watching children blink excessively, or by noticing the persistent squint.

Causes of Myopia

Nearsightedness usually occurs when the eye is too long or has a cornea that has a steep curve. Generally, the eye is able to focus the light on the retina. However, in the case of myopia, the light focuses in front of the retina. Consequently, a blurry image is produced. In many cases, the reason behind the longer eyes is genetics. As it runs in the families. During the normal working of the eye, the focusing elements have a smooth curvature. For instance, the cornea and lens have such a curvature refract that all the light coming to it will help in producing a sharp focused image on the retina. On the contrary, in nearsightedness, due to the refractive error, the light focuses in front of the retina, causing the blurry vision of distant objects.

Myopia Treatment:

There are two ways to treat myopia. One is the use of corrective lenses and the other one is by using refractive surgery. Knowing about both is important prior to undergo one of these.

1) Corrective Lenses:

Corrective lenses can treat nearsightedness by opposing the increases curvature of the cornea and increased the length of the eye. One can opt for the following lenses: Eyeglasses: This is one of the easiest and safest ways to correct the vision problems occurred due to myopia. There are bifocals, trifocals, and reading lenses, which one can opt for as per the doctor's advice. Contact Lenses: These are worn on the eyes. There are many brands providing vision contact lenses for different sight visions. There are soft, hard, disposable, and bifocal contact lenses to choose from.

2) Refractive Surgery:

Refractive surgery reduces the need for the eyeglasses and contact lenses by improving the vision. Eye surgeons use a laser beam to correct the shape of the cornea. The same procedure is not for to the people who are below 20 or until the complete development of eyes. There are different surgical procedures one can choose from: LASIK (Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis): In LASIK, the eye surgeon creates a thin, hinged flap in the cornea and uses an excimer laser in order to remove the layers present in the centre of the cornea. This helps in flattening the shape of the elevated cornea. LASEK (Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy): In LASEK, instead of making a flap in the cornea, eye surgeons develop a flap within in the cornea; thin protective cover, known as the epithelium. Afterwards, the excimer laser is used to restructure the cornea's outer layers. This helps in flattening of the cornea and further, the epithelial flap is adjusted. IOL (Intraocular lens implant): In this procedure, the implant of IOL takes place. Doctors recommend this procedure to the people suffering from moderate to severe myopia.

Prevention: What All Can You Do At Home?

Prevention of Myopia or Nearsightedness is not possible. However, one must opt for saving or retaining the present vision. For the same one can opt for the following measures:

1) Regular Checkups:

Regular doctor checkups can help the person to know the state of the vision and see what all one must do to retain it.

2) Keep a Check On Other Related Conditions:

Generally, conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure weaken the vision of the person. Thus, one must strive to control them alongside.

3) Nutrition:

Incorporation of green leafy vegetables and fruits is a must to retain the vision. One must also add fish in the diet to ensure that the body gets enough omega-3.

4) Block UV Rays:

UV rays are not good for the eyes and one can prevent it by using sunglasses.

5) Usage of Corrective Lens:

If one needs to optimise the vision and want to reduce the strain, opting for the eyeglasses is a must.

6) Notice Symptoms:

One must know the medical history and see if that has added to the blurry vision. Also, if symptoms like a sudden blur, black spots, and halos around the lights are noticed, one must see a doctor. These symptoms can be a sign to conditions like stroke, retinal tear or detachment, etc.

Bibliography https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20375561 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/multimedia/nearsightedness-myopia/img-20006068 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8579-myopia-nearsightedness