What Is Myopia? A Complete Guide to Understanding Nearsightedness

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects the way the eye focuses light. Understanding myopia and how to manage it is crucial for maintaining good vision and eye health.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eye's cornea or the lens inside the eye is too curved or the eyeball is too long. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision. Myopia is a progressive condition, meaning it often worsens over time, especially during childhood and adolescence.
 

According to the World Health Organization, the global prevalence of myopia is on the rise, with an estimated 2.6 billion people affected worldwide by 2020. This increase is particularly concerning, as myopia can lead to a higher risk of developing sight-threatening conditions later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
 

Causes and Risk Factors of Myopia

The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the known risk factors for developing myopia include:

• Genetics: If one or both of your parents have myopia, you have a higher chance of developing the condition.
• Age: Myopia typically develops in childhood and adolescence, often progressing during the school years.
• Near-work activities: Spending excessive time on close-up activities, such as reading, using digital devices, or playing video games, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
• Lack of outdoor time: Studies suggest that spending less time outdoors and in natural light may increase the risk of myopia.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as Asians, have a higher prevalence of myopia compared to other populations.

Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred distance vision. This means that you may have difficulty seeing objects or details that are far away, such as road signs, the blackboard at school, or the faces of people across the room. Other common symptoms of myopia include:

• Squinting or straining to see distant objects
• Headaches or eye strain after prolonged close-up work
• Difficulty with night vision or driving at night
• Feeling the need to sit closer to the television or computer screen

The severity of myopia can vary greatly, from mild to severe. The degree of myopia is typically measured in diopters (D), with higher numbers indicating a higher level of nearsightedness.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Proper management of myopia is crucial for maintaining good vision and eye health throughout your life. Unmanaged myopia can lead to a higher risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as:

• Retinal detachment: The stretched and thinned retina in highly myopic eyes is more prone to tears and detachment, which can result in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.
• Glaucoma: Myopia is a risk factor for the development of glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
• Myopic macular degeneration: This condition, which is more common in people with high myopia, can cause central vision loss due to changes in the macula (the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision).

By actively managing myopia, you can slow down its progression and reduce the risk of these sight-threatening complications. This not only preserves your current vision but also protects your long-term eye health.
 

Myopia Management Techniques

One of the most effective myopia management techniques is the use of low-dose atropine eye drops. Atropine is a medication that can help slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. Atropine can temporarily relax the eye's ability to focus on close-up objects, which may help reduce the demand for near-work activities that can contribute to myopia progression.
 

Studies have shown that low-dose atropine (0.01% to 0.05%) can effectively slow the progression of myopia by 50% or more, with minimal side effects. The eye drops are typically used on a long-term basis, with regular monitoring and adjustments by an eye care professional.
 

Another innovative approach to myopia management is the use of MiSight contact lenses. These specialized contact lenses are designed to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. MiSight contact lenses work by:

• Peripheral defocus: The lenses create a specific optical effect that helps to reduce the eye's growth and myopia progression.
• Corneal reshaping: The contact lenses gently reshape the cornea, which can also contribute to slowing the progression of myopia.

Clinical studies have shown that children who wear MiSight contact lenses experience a significant reduction in myopia progression compared to those who wear traditional contact lenses or eyeglasses. The lenses are designed to be worn daily and are replaced on a regular schedule, typically every 6 months.
 

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Texas State Optical Mansfield Today

Myopia is a common and often progressive refractive error that can have serious long-term consequences if left unmanaged. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and importance of myopia management, you can take proactive steps to protect your vision and eye health.
 

At Texas State Optical Mansfield, we are dedicated to helping you manage your myopia and maintain healthy vision. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and discuss the latest myopia management options that are right for you. Visit our office in Mansfield, Texas, or call (682) 201-2883 to book an appointment today.