Myopia is a highly common eye disorder, with experts estimating that up to 1 in 3 people suffer from the issue. Find out more about myopia, what causes it and how to seek treatment in our helpful guide here:
Everything You Need To Know About Myopia
What Is Myopia?
Myopia, also known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness, is an eye-focusing disorder that is a common affliction. The issue is caused by a refractive error, when light is not bent or refracted within the eye properly. This prevents the eye from being able to focus on single images. Distant images appear blurred whilst close objects can still be seen clearly.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia is often caused by the eye growing too ‘long’, preventing light from focusing on the retina properly. Myopia is mostly inherited, but studies have also linked in to prolonged focusing nearby objects during childhood. Ensuring that children spend regular time playing and taking breaks from screens can reduce the risk of becoming near-sighted. Age can also affect the severity of your myopia – when your body grows as a teenager it can worsen.
Signs Of Myopia
There are many signs that you or a loved one may be suffering from myopia, including:
- Blurring of distant images
- Suffering from headaches
- Experiencing tired eyes
- Needing to sit close to a screen or TV
- Sitting at the front of class or meetings to view presentations
Types Of Myopia
Myopia sufferers can experience varying severity of the eye disorder. ‘Low Myopia’ is categorised for mild cases, whereas severe cases are known as ‘High Myopia’. Depending on the severity of your myopia there are different treatments (if any is needed at all) but an optician will be able to advise on these.
Complications Of Myopia
Individuals who suffer from myopia are more susceptible to other eye issues, such as a detached retina, cataracts and glaucoma. Squints and a lazy eye can also develop in children who suffer from myopia. Because of the risk of these associated eye conditions, it’s recommended that myopia sufferers ensure that they’re attending regular eye examinations at their opticians to monitor any developing issues.
Can Myopia Be Cured
In some cases myopia can be cured through refractive surgery but, in most cases, there are simple measures you can take to correct your vision. Although this will not remove the issue, it will correct the vision enough to not have any impact on the individual’s life and daily activities.
Treatment For Myopia
With high myopia, you can usually correct vision easily with glasses, contact lenses or sometimes with refractive surgery. Laser eye surgery will alter the shape of your eyes, allowing the light to focus correctly on the retina. Artificial lens implants can also be used – where a lens is permanently inserted into the eye.
Book Your Eye Exam Today
If you suspect you may be suffering from myopia, or have already been diagnosed and wish to seek treatment, then book an appointment today! Our friendly team welcome new and existing patients for a range of advice on eye care. Book your consultation or eye exam here, or call us on 01736366239.
