Myopia: What It Is and What You Can Do About It

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye that causes blurry vision when looking at distant objects. It is one of the most common vision problems, with an estimated 25% of Americans affected by myopia. The condition can range from mild to severe, and typically develops in childhood and persists throughout adulthood. While there are corrective lenses and surgeries that can significantly improve vision affected by myopia, there are also preventive steps that can be taken to reduce the likelihood of developing the condition in the first place.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia is caused by a refractive error in which the eyeball is too long or the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, is too curved. This causes incoming light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. This results in blurred vision when looking at distant objects, though near vision is usually not impaired.

The exact cause of the refractive error that leads to myopia is unknown, but there are factors that are thought to increase the risk for developing it. These include a family history of myopia and excessive amount of near-focused activities such as reading, playing video games and looking at digital screens. Although genes play an important role in the development of myopia, environmental factors can also contribute to its onset.

How to Manage Myopia

The most common treatment for myopia is corrective lenses, such as glasses or contacts, to help focus light rays more accurately on the retina. Refractive surgery is another option to reshape the affected cornea, allowing the light to more effectively enter the eye and lessen the blurriness.

In addition to the medical options available, there are also steps that can be taken to reduce the severity and progression of myopia. These include limiting near-focused activities and encouraging outdoor activities to aid in the development of healthy vision. Wearing proper protective eyewear when outdoors can also help reduce the risk by minimizing exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays.

Conclusion

Myopia can be an uncomfortable condition which can hinder day-to-day activities, but it is manageable and can be most effectively treated through a combination of lens correction and lifestyle changes. Understanding how and why the condition develops, as well as how it can be managed, can help you take proactive steps to greatly reduce the risk of developing myopia and ensure healthy vision for years to come.