What Causes Short Sightedness (Myopia)
Myopia, more commonly known as short-sightedness, is not just a widespread vision problem affecting millions worldwideâit is a growing concern that is becoming more prevalent with each generation. In regions like East Asia, nearly 90% of teenagers and adults are affected. However, its incidence is rapidly increasing globally, compelling health professionals and researchers to understand and combat this trend effectively. At Spectacle Hub Optometrists, we recognise the impact of myopia not only on vision but also on overall quality of life. This condition compels individuals to rely on optical aids to perform everyday activities, affecting their educational opportunities, career choices, and general lifestyle.
This blog explores the root causes of myopia, delving into the biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors that contribute to its development. By understanding these elements, we aim to empower our readers with knowledge to prevent or manage this condition more effectively. At Spectacle Hub Optometrists, we are committed to advancing eye health through comprehensive diagnostics, tailored treatments, and preventive care. We believe in empowering our patients with information and solutions that enhance their visual health and, by extension, their life quality.
Whether you are a parent concerned about your child’s vision, an adult experiencing changes in your sight, or simply interested in learning more about eye health, this blog is designed to provide you with valuable insights and practical advice. Join us as we explore the intricacies of myopia, its implications, and the innovative treatments available to manage and mitigate its effects.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia occurs when there is a mismatch between the eye’s optical power and its length. Specifically, either the eyeball is elongated, or the focusing power of the cornea and lens is too strong, causing light rays to converge at a point in front of the retina. This misalignment results in distant objects appearing blurry while close objects are seen clearly. Various factors contribute to the structural changes in the eye:
Genetic factors: A strong genetic component is evident, with the condition being more common in children whose parents are myopic.
Environmental influences: Intense near work, like reading or using computers for extended periods, and inadequate exposure to natural light are significant environmental factors.
Lifestyle factors: As societies become more technologically oriented, the prevalence of myopia increases due to changes in lifestyle that promote indoor activities over outdoor ones.
Lifestyle factors: As societies become more technologically oriented, the prevalence of myopia increases due to changes in lifestyle that promote indoor activities over outdoor ones.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing strategies to manage myopia effectively, from corrective lenses to more advanced surgical options.
What Causes Myopia?
Blurred distance vision
This is often the first sign of myopia. Individuals may find it difficult to read road signs or see distant objects clearly.Squinting:
Squinting may temporarily improve vision by narrowing the eyelid aperture, which helps to focus light rays onto the retina.Eye strain:
Struggling to see clearly can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue, particularly after prolonged visual tasks.Night vision difficulties:
Myopic individuals often report increased challenges in seeing clearly at night or in dim lighting conditions.At Spectacle Hub Optometrists, recognising these symptoms early is a key focus of our comprehensive eye exams, which are designed to diagnose and begin managing myopia before it significantly impacts vision and quality of life.
The Role of Prescription Glasses in Myopia
Immediate correction:
Prescription glasses provide a quick fix to improve vision.
Regular updates needed:
As myopia can progress, especially in children and teenagers, regular eye exams are essential to update prescriptions.
Schedule Your Eye Exam at Spectacle Hub Optometrists
For expert advice and customised prescription glasses, consult with our professionals at Spectacle Hub Optometrists. We ensure that each pair of glasses perfectly matches your vision needs and lifestyle.
Current Myopia Treatments
Effective management of myopia involves a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply correcting vision with glasses or contact lenses. Advanced treatments aim not only to correct but also to slow the progression of myopia, especially in younger patients:
Pharmacological approaches:
Among the most promising treatments is the use of low-dose atropine eye drops, which have been extensively studied and shown to slow the progression of myopia in children significantly. These drops are administered nightly and work by inhibiting the eye’s focus mechanism, which is thought to be involved in the worsening of myopia.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
This innovative treatment involves wearing specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, correcting myopia so that glasses and contact lenses are not needed during the day. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children, making it a dual-purpose treatment.
Refractive surgery:
For adults whose eyes have stopped changing, surgical options such as LASIK or PRK can be considered. These procedures use a laser to reshape the cornea permanently, correcting myopia. It is a popular choice for those who wish to eliminate the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Our optometrists consider all aspects of your lifestyle, preferences, and the specifics of your myopia before recommending a treatment plan. Our goal is to not only improve how you see but also to manage the condition to prevent further deterioration of your vision.
Current Myopia Treatments
Managing and possibly preventing the progression of myopia involves understanding and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to its development:
Balanced visual hygiene:
Encouraging regular breaks during close work and using proper lighting can help reduce eye strain. Proper visual ergonomics, such as keeping reading materials and digital devices at a safe distance and adequately lit, are important preventive measures.
Encouraging outdoor activities:
Studies suggest that outdoor activity during daylight hours can help delay the onset of myopia in children. Exposure to natural light and the opportunity to look at distant objects may help regulate eye growth during these critical developmental years.
Regular eye examinations:
Scheduled visits to Spectacle Hub Optometrists allow for early detection and management of myopia. Monitoring the health of your eyes and the progression of myopia is essential for implementing effective treatment plans and making lifestyle adjustments.
Understanding the causes and symptoms of myopia, adopting preventive measures, and seeking effective myopia treatment are vital for maintaining good eye health. At Spectacle Hub Optometrists, we offer a range of services to help manage myopia and improve your eye health.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t let myopia affect your quality of life. Contact Spectacle Hub Optometrists today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Whether you are experiencing symptoms of myopia or simply want to ensure your eyes are in the best possible condition, we are here to help. Visit our website or contact us directly to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in achieving and maintaining clear and healthy vision.
