Myopia is a condition where a person is unable to see objects that are at a distance from them. Also known as short-sightedness, it occurs when the eyeball elongates to such an extent that the light entering the eye no more refracts through the lens properly. This in turn, causes the light rays to inappropriately reach the retina, leading to blurred vision. This condition occurs in 3.19% people under the age of fifteen, while 20% of people above the age of 15 years suffer from it in India.
Read about top 8 interesting facts about the human eye.
Dr Devesh Sharma, Consultant, Cornea & Anterior segment, Amritsar Eye Clinic, Dehradun says, ‘Myopia is an eye condition where you can see objects near you very clearly, but far away objects seem hazy or blurry. This happens when the power of the eye to converge rays of light onto the retina (the back part of the eye that is responsible for vision) is greater than normal.’
Read about 14 causes of blurred vision you might not know.
‘Myopia is usually a hereditary condition, and may run in families. Often the parents, grandparents, or siblings of a patient may also found to have this condition. Apart from this, eyestrain due to working for long hours on the computer or too much reading also increases the risk of suffering from myopia, even in adults, says Dr Sharma.
Here are4 easy tips to prevent eye strain and computer vision syndrome.
Myopic patients are unable to see distant objects clearly, although they can see nearer objects better. This condition is often diagnosed in childhood. Children may complain of not being able to clearly see the words on the blackboard or images on the movie screen or television. Parents need to be aware of the fact that if their child is not performing well at school or is disinterested in sports or other activities, poor eyesight due to myopia may be the reason.
Read about 5 common vision problems your child could suffer from.
This condition is usually diagnosed at the age of 8 to 12 years of age. The most common refractive error that people suffer from is myopia or nearsightedness. Your eye doctor will diagnose refractive errors during comprehensive dilated eye examination that involves visual acuity test with a retinoscope and phoropter. Here’s what you should about different eye tests that form a part of routine eye examination.
Dr Sharma says, ‘At present there are no medicines as such that can treat myopia. For vision improvement, one has to use glasses or contact lenses. However, there are surgical options available to correct your vision.’ Here are 10 tips to choose the right glasses for your eyes.
Apart from glasses and contact lenses, the other treatment options to regain your vision include -
LASIK: It is a popular technique that utilises laser to correct the refractive power of the eye so that rays of light are focused clearly onto the retina of the eye. Here’s everything you should know about LASIK: Procedure and post-operative care.
Phakic lenses: For patients with very high numbers, LASIK may not be possible. For them, there are options like phakic lenses- wherein a lens of appropriate power to correct myopia is placed inside the eye.
Read more about 10 dos and don’ts for contact lens care.
The content has been verified by Dr Devesh Sharma, Consultant, Cornea & Anterior segment, Amritsar Eye Clinic, Dehradun.
Many medical experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule to combat the growing myopia epidemic: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away, potentially slowing myopia's progression.
What causes some children to be farsighted at birth? All you need to know about congenital myopia, including causes and treatment.
Dr Anita Sethi shares tips to prevent the digital device-induced pandemic myopia.
Myopia is on the rise, and it is predicted that nearly 50 per cent of the global population will be myopic by 2050.
Turns out, education is linked to higher risk of short-sightedness.
When was the last time you had an eye exam? Don't remember? Never? Then it's time you made an appointment with the eye doctor. Eye exam are not only for those who have poor vision.
Eye tests - what to expect
These signs should scare you enough to go for an eye check-up
Genes behind short-sightedness identified
75% kids suffer from bad vision and don't even know it
How daylight can reduce chances of myopia in children
Researchers find gene responsible for short-sightedness
1 billion people will go blind by 2050
Though vision problems like myopia, blurred vision and farsightedness are correctable, researchers say it is still a leading cause for blindess.
With constant use of computers and staring at mobile screens for long hours, all you are headed to is myopia or short-sightedness by 2050.
Nearly five billion people, that is about half the world's population, are poised to become myopic or short-sighted by the end of 2050, indicates a study.
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Dr Prakash Nayak, a renowned ophthalmologist tells us why it's vital to get regular eye check-ups.
Know your medical terms: Myopia
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Myopia, like rickets, is a seasonal condition which appears to get worse in winter.
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Many medical experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule to combat the growing myopia epidemic: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away, potentially slowing myopia's progression.
What causes some children to be farsighted at birth? All you need to know about congenital myopia, including causes and treatment.
Dr Anita Sethi shares tips to prevent the digital device-induced pandemic myopia.
Myopia is on the rise, and it is predicted that nearly 50 per cent of the global population will be myopic by 2050.
Turns out, education is linked to higher risk of short-sightedness.
When was the last time you had an eye exam? Don't remember? Never? Then it's time you made an appointment with the eye doctor. Eye exam are not only for those who have poor vision.
Eye tests - what to expect
These signs should scare you enough to go for an eye check-up
Genes behind short-sightedness identified
75% kids suffer from bad vision and don't even know it
How daylight can reduce chances of myopia in children
Researchers find gene responsible for short-sightedness
1 billion people will go blind by 2050
Though vision problems like myopia, blurred vision and farsightedness are correctable, researchers say it is still a leading cause for blindess.
With constant use of computers and staring at mobile screens for long hours, all you are headed to is myopia or short-sightedness by 2050.
Nearly five billion people, that is about half the world's population, are poised to become myopic or short-sighted by the end of 2050, indicates a study.
Simple tips to save your child's vision
Trataka – a natural way to improve eyesight
Dr Prakash Nayak, a renowned ophthalmologist tells us why it's vital to get regular eye check-ups.
Know your medical terms: Myopia
What your eyes could indicate about your health
Myopia, like rickets, is a seasonal condition which appears to get worse in winter.
Do you have bad headache after working long hours on the laptop? We answer this query.
Eye problems in children
