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Myopia
Myopia is commonly called nearsightedness. It is a very common vision
problem that impacts an individual's ability to see objects far away. Most
people with myopia have the ability to see up close; however, how close up
depends on the extent of the myopia. Those with severe forms of myopia can
clearly see objects several inches away, whereas those with mild forms of
myopia can clearly see objects many yards away. Myopia often develops
during childhood and adolescence, and affects males and females equally.
It is estimated that up to 35% of Americans suffer from some degree of
myopia.
What is Myopia?
Myopia can be detected when objects viewed at a distance appear blurry.
Typically, this is caused when light rays focus on the front of the eye
instead of the back of the eye. This happens when the length of the eye
itself is too long.
Myopia is a type of refractive error. In a healthy eye, the two areas that
serve to focus images, the lens and the cornea, are both perfectly smooth.
This results in a near perfect curvature bend, allowing all incoming light
to refract the same way, providing a highly focused image to reach the
retina. Myopia occurs when either the lens, cornea, or both, are not
smooth and even. As a result, incoming light rays are refracted
incorrectly. When the eye is longer than usual, or when the cornea is too
curved, incoming light is refracted in front of the retina, causing
distant objects to appear blurry.
Are you at risk?
Myopia is a very common vision condition. Those who have a history of
myopia in their family are an increased risk for developing the condition.
Although myopia typically develops in childhood or adolescence, it often
stabilizes during adulthood. Important in treating myopia is to detect it
early. It is important that parents understand the signs that myopia may
be present.
Children with myopia often exhibit certain behaviors or have certain
experiences typical of those who are nearsighted. These include:
1) Complaints that distant objects seem fuzzy or blurred
2) Complaints of headaches. These headaches are the result of persistent
eye strain.
3) A need to sit close to the chalkboard or television
4) Holding books very close in order to read
5) Seem not to see objects that are at a distance
Diagnosing Myopia
Many eye doctors suggest that myopia is the primary reason why young
children and adolescents need regular
eye exams. Using a variety of
instruments and visual tests, a doctor can assess both the physical
condition of the eye and any vision limitations at very young ages. Myopia
is easily treated using eyeglasses and contact lenses. Refractive surgery,
including LASIK, LASEK, and PRK can be used to treat myopia by reshaping
the curvature of the cornea.
Experts suggest that a pediatrician or eye doctor assess a child's vision
at the following intervals;
- Prior to reaching 3 months of age
- Between 6 months and 1 year or age
- At age 3
- At age 5
Myopia is easily detected and treated. Parents are advised to watch for
the warning signs common to children who develop myopia in order to ensure
their child receives adequate care when required.
Resources: The Canadian Ophthalmological
society provides detailed information about
myopia. Read about
treating myopia with laser surgery. |
