What is Myopia and How is it Treated?

What is Myopia?

Nearsightedness arises when the eye's structure incorrectly bends light rays. This misdirection causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, leading to a blurring of distant objects. It's a condition that often begins in childhood or teenage years, and generally becomes stable by the time one reaches their 20s or 40s. A family history of nearsightedness can also increase your chances of developing this condition. 

In the U.S., myopia affects approximately 41.6% of the population, and it's expected that by 2050, about half of the global population may experience it. The growing prevalence of myopia highlights the need for early detection and management, particularly in younger individuals.  

Causes of Nearsightedness

Myopia often runs in families. Having one or both parents with myopia increases your chances of developing it. However, the main factor behind myopia is how the eyeball itself grows. An elongated eyeball, stretching more from front to back than normal, causes light to focus just in front of the retina. This misalignment results in a challenge for the eye to focus clearly on distant objects. 

Nearsightedness can also arise if the cornea, the eye's front surface, is overly curved, or if the lens inside the eye is thicker than usual. These conditions can alter the normal process of bending light. Additionally, emerging studies suggest that children who spend more time outside are at a reduced risk of developing myopia, though the specific reasons behind this correlation are still being explored.  

Myopia Symptoms

If you or your child have myopia, there are a few signs you can look out for: 

• Difficulty with Distant Vision: A common indicator of myopia is blurred vision when looking at faraway objects. If you find it hard to read signs while driving or to see the board in a classroom, it might point to nearsightedness. 

• Frequent Squinting: Squinting is a common response to blurry vision. If you or your child often squint to try and see more clearly, this could be a sign of myopia. 

• Headaches Caused by Eye Strain: Struggling to see can strain your eyes, leading to headaches. Notice if headaches often follow activities like reading, watching TV, or using a computer, as this could be linked to nearsightedness. 

• Sitting Closer to View Screens: The need to sit near the TV or at the front in class to see clearly can indicate myopia in you or your child. 

• Excessive Blinking or Eye Rubbing: If you frequently blink or rub your eyes, it might be an attempt to focus better or to ease eye strain, which are symptoms associated with myopia. 

When Should You See a Doctor for Nearsightedness?

Noticing signs of myopia is a signal to book an appointment with Grene Vision Group's optometrists. Difficulty in daily activities, such as driving, reading signs, or watching TV, shouldn't be overlooked as these are strong indicators of nearsightedness. 

In cases where symptoms are more severe, like suddenly seeing floaters, flashes of light, or a veil obscuring part of your vision, immediate medical attention is necessary. These symptoms could be warning signs of a serious condition like retinal detachment. 

Early detection of myopia is key to managing it effectively. Without treatment, nearsightedness may increase the likelihood of developing other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts. While managing myopia doesn't completely prevent these conditions, it can help in reducing the risk and maintaining better overall eye health. 

Diagnosing and Treating Myopia

When you experience symptoms of myopia and seek care, the eye care professionals at Grene Vision Group will conduct a thorough eye exam to diagnose the condition. The primary treatment for nearsightedness involves adjusting how light enters your eye so it correctly focuses on your retina. This is typically achieved through the prescription of corrective lenses or, in some cases, refractive surgery.  

Corrective Lenses 

To address the changes in your eye's shape, such as an increased curve of the cornea or a longer eyeball, the specialists at Grene Vision Group may recommend glasses or contact lenses. Consistently using these corrective lenses can effectively alleviate the symptoms of myopia and enhance your ability to see distant objects clearly. 

Refractive Surgery

For individuals seeking a more permanent solution to myopia, Grene Vision Group offers refractive surgery as a viable option. This surgery is designed to lessen or potentially eliminate the reliance on glasses or contact lenses. During the procedure, surgeons employ advanced laser technology to precisely reshape the cornea, improving the eye's ability to focus light accurately onto the retina and helping you see distant objects more clearly.  

There are several refractive surgery options: 

1.  LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A popular choice, LASIK involves creating a thin flap in the cornea, which allows the surgeon to reshape the underlying corneal tissue using a laser. 

2.  LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy): Similar in approach to LASIK, LASEK involves forming a thin layer on the cornea's surface, which is then reshaped with laser precision. 

3.  PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): Ideal for patients with thinner corneas, PRK removes the cornea's outer layer to expose it for laser reshaping. 

4.  SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A more recent advancement, SMILE involves removing a small, lenticular-shaped section of the cornea through a minor incision, altering the eye's shape. 

Can Myopia Be Prevented?

While there are steps to decrease the chances of developing myopia, they don't completely eliminate the risk. Research suggests that children with myopic parents who spend more outdoor time are less likely to become nearsighted compared to those who mostly stay indoors. Also, excessive screen time can negatively affect a child’s vision. To lower the risk of myopia, it’s advisable to limit screen time to two hours daily and minimize it for children under two years old. 

Activities that require continuous close-up focus, such as reading and writing, are also known contributors to myopia development. Encouraging regular breaks from these activities can give the eyes a necessary rest, helping to reduce the likelihood of developing eye conditions like nearsightedness. 

Regular eye examinations at Grene Vision Group are crucial in the prevention of myopia. These exams enable early detection of any changes in vision, facilitating timely intervention for myopia and other eye health issues.