Treating Nearsightedness and What Patients Need to Know
Myopia, known more commonly as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, is the inability to see distant images or objects clearly. This can make it difficult to see things such as road signs or a chalkboard at the front of the classroom.
Myopia affects both adults and children, and if not managed correctly, can lead to eye discomfort, problems driving (especially at night), or holding books close to the eyes in order to see. However, there are some things patients can do with their eye doctor to help manage their myopia.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, or the cornea and/or eye lens are too curved relative to the length of the eyeball. This causes the eye to focus images in front of the retina, rather than directly on it, resulting in blurry distant vision.
Myopia is often hereditary, though not always, and typically begins in childhood by the age of 20. It may also develop in adulthood as a result of environmental factors or health problems.
Excessive amounts of near-vision work can lead to false or “pseudo” myopia, where blurred vision is caused from stress on the eyes’ focusing skills after prolonged near-work tasks; clear vision typically returns after rest. However, this constant visual stress may lead to the development of true myopia over time.
Myopia can also be caused by diabetes, or may be an early sign of developing a cataract. Night myopia, in which blurred distance vision is only experienced at night, is caused by difficulty focusing in low light.
Signs and Symptoms of Myopia
- Blurry distance vision
- Squinting when driving, watching TV, looking at the chalkboard, or other faraway objects
- Sitting at close proximity to the TV or computer screen
- Holding books close to the eyes
Myopia Diagnosis and Risk
Myopia is diagnosed by your eye doctor during a comprehensive exam. This exam starts by testing your visual acuity (ability to read letters on a distant chart). Next, your doctor will use several methods to determine your glasses prescription. This is done with automated machines, light beams and lenses (known as retinoscopy), or refraction (the test where you are asked, which is better, one or two?).
If you are diagnosed with myopia, your eye doctor will give you a prescription for corrective glasses or contact lenses. Sometimes LASIK or PRK laser procedures can provide clear vision by permanently removing corneal tissue to fix the eyes’ focusing abilities.
In most cases, low levels of myopia present little risk for serious eye problems and is more of an inconvenience than a health risk for most people. However, myopia can increase your risk of developing other ocular diseases later in life, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. But by managing your myopia with regular eye exams and vision correction, you can decrease your risk of developing an ocular disease!
About 10 percent of people with myopia will see a worsening in the severity over time. Sometimes it can worsen to the point that it is considered a degenerative disorder, which could cause significant or total loss of vision.
Some factors that can contribute to a worsening of myopia include:
- Natural eye growth that worsens the changing shape of the eye/retina
- Genetics
- Spending limited time outdoors (research has shown that spending less than 1-2 hours outside per day can cause myopia to progress)
- Prolonged near-vision tasks or too much time on digital devices
Myopia Management
To keep your myopia from getting worse, it is important to follow these tips that help manage your eye condition.
- Get regular eye exams to track any changes in your eyes
- Wear your corrective lenses as prescribed (i.e., if your eye doctor says you only need them for driving, then only wear them for driving)
- Take frequent breaks from screen time or near-vision tasks (follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Keep your screen 18-24 inches away from your face
- Spend time outdoors to allow natural light to enter the eye, helping to relax eye muscles and focus on distant objects (aim for 2 hours per day; don’t forget to wear sunscreen)
In children, it is possible to slow the progression of myopia when caught early. Your child’s doctor may recommend treatment, which can include atropine eye drops or special contact lenses. These treatments will only slow the development and cannot reverse myopia. Be sure to ask your eye doctor about these treatments, especially for high-risk children, as early intervention is key!
Key Takeaways
For most adults and children, myopia is just a nuisance. However, if not properly managed, it can lead to an increased risk of other ocular diseases, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. That is why it is important to have routine eye exams and wear any corrective lenses as prescribed. Be sure to also take breaks from prolonged near-vision tasks and screen time to ensure you don’t experience excessive eye fatigue. It’s all about working with your doctor to find the right management options for you and your myopia!
