photo credit Encylopaedia Brittanica
Myopia is a condition in which people are able to see near objects clearly but the distance objects appear blurry
What are the causes and Risk factors for Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye ball is longer than normal in length or the cornea (outer transparent portion of the eye) is too curved.
There is strong genetic association between genetics and myopia.
people who have both the parents affected with myopia are more likely to develop it.
Myopia also is more prevalent in people who have higher than normal near work, like spending hours on mobile and tablet screens, reading.
Diabetics may also experience myopic shift because of poor blood sugar control and it may be a sign of developing cataract.
What are the symptoms in Myopia?
People with Myopia will have difficulty looking clearly at TV screens, while looking at whiteboards in school, difficulty while driving.
myopia is usually detected in school age and continues to progress mostly until 20 years of age.
Diagnosis
Your Doctor will check your visual acuity in his office and will give a trial of corrective lenses to give you the best corrected visual acuity.
It is also important that your doctor will examine your Retina with specialized equipment to detect any Retinal degenerations which are common in Myopia and can lead to serious vision related problems like Retinal Detachments.
What is the treatment for Myopia?
Spectacles or eyeglasses are the Primary choice for best corrected vision
Contact lenses are also a good option and offer a wider field of view than spectacles
Refractive procedures like LASIK correct existing degree of Myopia and your Doctor can advise regarding it if you are found to be suitable for undergoing the procedure.
Other options like Phakic intraocular implants and Refractive lens exchange are also available, but your eye specialist can decide regarding them depending upon your condition
Conditions associated with myopia and their prevention
People with Myopia are at an increased risk of developing Cataract, Glaucoma, Myopic retinal and macular degenerations, retinal detachments.
It is of prime importance for people with Myopia to get a complete eye examination with a specialist every 6 to 12 months in order to prevent any ongoing complication.