Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common cause of blurred distance vision. People with myopia can see nearby objects clearly but struggle to see objects that are far away.
Symptoms of Myopia
- Difficulty seeing distant objects
- Difficulty seeing the board, television, or movie screen
- Decline in academic performance, sports activities, or job performance
Symptoms in Children
Children under the age of 8 or 9 may not realize they have a problem seeing distant objects. Parents or teachers may suspect myopia if the child:
- Squints or narrows their eyes
- Holds books or objects very close to their face
- Prefers sitting at the front of the classroom or close to the screen
- Shows disinterest in sports or activities requiring good distance vision
- Occasionally complains of headaches
Causes and Risk Factors of Myopia
Myopia risk is higher among:
- Individuals with a family history of myopia
- Females, who are more prone to severe myopia than males
- Premature infants, especially those diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity
- Children with genetic eye disorders
There is also a known correlation between frequent close-up work, such as reading, and the development of myopia.
Complications of Myopia
Potential complications include:
- Macular degeneration
- Retinal detachment
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
Treatment for Myopia
While myopia cannot be cured, treatment can significantly improve vision and reduce its impact on daily life.
1. Conventional Treatments
Most people with myopia use eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. These tools adjust the way light enters the eye so that it focuses properly on the retina.
Both options are safe and effective, and generally less risky and less expensive than surgery. Some believe glasses don’t offer the same central or peripheral vision quality as contact lenses. However, while contacts provide excellent vision, they require regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent infection.
2. Surgical Treatment
Surgery works by reshaping the cornea. Options include:
- Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
- Insertion of corneal rings
- Implantation of intraocular lenses (IOLs)
Some medical conditions and medications can affect surgical outcomes, such as:
- Autoimmune diseases
- Immunodeficiency disorders
- Use of specific medications
- A history of glaucoma, keratoconus, inflammatory eye diseases, herpes simplex keratitis, or prior eye surgeries or injuries
Choosing the Right Treatment
There is no single treatment suitable for everyone with myopia. Choosing the best option depends on several factors:
- How predictable are the treatment results?
- Will the results remain stable over time?
- What are the potential risks and complications?
- What kind of personal maintenance does it require?
- Will it be comfortable and affect appearance?
Laser eye surgeries result in permanent changes to the eye, which are not reversible. However, newer techniques like corneal ring implantation or intraocular lens insertion allow for removal if necessary.
Other considerations include:
- Treatment cost and insurance coverage
- Impact of delayed treatment
- Effect on career and work performance
For individuals involved in contact sports like boxing, football, wrestling, or martial arts—where there is a risk of eye trauma—doctors must choose a treatment approach that ensures safety and performance.
Prevention of Myopia
Although myopia is easily treatable, there is no known way to prevent it or its progression. In most cases, myopia worsens until late adolescence or early adulthood, when it usually stabilizes.
Many believe that prolonged close-up work, such as reading or spending extended periods near computer screens, contributes to the development of myopia.