How To Deal With Nearsightedness – Is It Curable?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye that affects the ability to see distant objects. People with myopia typically have a clear vision when looking at objects up close, but objects in the distance appear blurry or out of focus.

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) has too much curvature. These structural abnormalities cause the incoming light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, leading to blurred vision. Myopia Profile provides a comprehensive assessment and tailored advice based on individual circumstances.

Causes of myopia

Myopia can develop during childhood and typically progresses until early adulthood when the eye stops growing. Also, it is caused by two factors:

• genetic
• environmental

If one or both parents have myopia, there is an increased likelihood of their children developing it as well. There are different levels of myopia, categorized based on the refractive error measured in units called diopters (D):

1. Mild myopia: Up to -3.00 D
2. Moderate myopia: -3.25 D to -6.00 D
3. High myopia: -6.25 D or higher

Myopia can be corrected using glasses or contact lenses that help focus light properly onto the retina, providing clear vision. There are also surgical options available for correcting myopia, such as LASIK or implantable lenses, which permanently reshape the cornea to improve vision. Individuals with myopia need to have regular eye exams to monitor any changes in their prescription and to ensure early detection of any potential eye health issues associated with high myopia, such as:

• retinal detachment
• glaucoma
• macular degeneration

Is myopia manageable?

Yes, myopia is manageable, and several approaches are available to slow down its progression or reduce its impact. These management options include:

1. Eyeglasses or contact lenses. Regular eye exams are important to update the prescription as needed.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-k). It involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses. Ortho-k has been shown to slow down the progression of myopia in some individuals, but it requires careful monitoring and compliance with lens wear and hygiene instructions.
3. Multifocal contact lenses. These lenses have different zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision. They can help slow down myopia progression in some individuals, especially children and adolescents.
4. Atropine eye drops. Low-dose atropine eye drops are effective in slowing down myopia progression in some individuals, especially children.
5. Outdoor activities. Spending more time outdoors, especially during childhood and adolescence, has been associated with a reduced risk of developing myopia or slower progression.

An eye care professional helps determine the most appropriate management strategy for your specific case of myopia. They can provide personalized guidance based on your age, degree of myopia, lifestyle, and other relevant factors.