Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision problem that causes difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. These objects appear blurry and distorted, while near objects appear clear.
Nearsightedness occurs when light rays focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This causes near objects to be seen clearly, while distant objects appear blurry. It usually develops during childhood or adolescence.
What is nearsightedness
Nearsightedness is a condition that causes difficulty seeing distant objects, which appear blurry, while near objects appear clear.
Types of nearsightedness
There are two main types:
- Severe nearsightedness, which typically affects people from adolescence until age 25. It results from changes in the eyeball, resulting in a refractive error greater than -6 diopters.
- Simple nearsightedness, which occurs in normal eyes during childhood and has a refractive error between 4.00 and 6.00 diopters.
Symptoms of Nearsightedness
The most common and only symptom of nearsightedness is difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. Other symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted vision when looking at a distant object.
- Eye strain when looking at distant objects.
- Crossed vision when trying to see distant objects.
- Partially closing the eyes to try to see.
- Severe headaches.
Treating Nearsightedness at Home
Nearsightedness treatment relies on correcting refractive error by focusing light directly on the retina. This is achieved through the use of eyeglasses or contact lenses, which are among the most common treatment methods for nearsightedness.
Another method involves straightening the cornea with rigid lenses, such as wearing rigid contact lenses while sleeping. This helps to gradually flatten the curvature of the cornea and improve vision.
In some severe cases, surgery may be necessary, or surgery may be required if a permanent solution for nearsightedness is desired without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
LASIK surgery is used to treat nearsightedness by reshaping the cornea to correct the point where light focuses in the eye. This surgery takes only minutes, but its side effects include blurred vision and dry eyes for weeks or months after the procedure.
Eye drops for treating nearsightedness
There is no eye drop that permanently cures nearsightedness, but modern treatments focus on slowing the progression of the condition. Lubricating eye drops are used after LASIK surgery, including:
- Atropine eye drops.
- Refresh Tears.
- Twit Tears.
- Lasting Tears.
- Cornegel.
- Blink eye drops.
What is the difference between farsightedness and nearsightedness
The main difference is that nearsightedness makes distant objects blurry while near objects appear clear, while farsightedness makes near objects blurry while distant objects appear clear. Both occur due to an error in the way light focuses on the retina.
Ways to Prevent Nearsightedness
You can prevent the worsening of nearsightedness and protect your eyes by following these steps:
- Reduce the time you spend in front of computer or phone screens.
- Spend enough time outdoors and in fresh air.
- Manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Follow a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Wear sunglasses when going out during the day to protect your eyes.
- Avoid smoking to prevent nearsightedness.
How is Nearsightedness Diagnosed
Nearsightedness is diagnosed by taking a medical history and performing eye exams, such as visual acuity testing, eye movement testing, visual field testing, refraction testing, optic nerve testing, and measuring intraocular pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does nearsightedness improve over time
Never usually improves over time, but it can worsen with age.
When does nearsightedness stabilize
Vision usually stabilizes between the ages of 20 and 40.
Can nearsightedness be treated without surgery
Yes, wearing eyeglasses and contact lenses is a common treatment option.
Does a phone cause nearsightedness
Yes, prolonged exposure to phone light can lead to digital eye strain, which can cause blurred vision and temporary difficulty focusing.
Does wearing glasses cure nearsightedness
No, eyeglasses do not permanently cure nearsightedness, but they can temporarily correct vision by refocusing light on the retina, thus improving distance vision.
Article Summary
Nearsightedness is a common problem that causes blurry vision when distant objects are not clearly visible, while near objects appear clear.
The most common treatment options are eyeglasses and contact lenses, which work by focusing light directly on the retina, thus improving distance vision, or LASIK surgery.