What is Myopia (Near or shortsightedness)?

Have you ever struggled to see road signs or distant objects clearly but found reading or looking at your phone effortless? That’s what myopia, or nearsightedness, feels like. Myopia is a common eye condition where distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. It occurs when the shape of the eye causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops during childhood and can worsen as you grow older, especially if left untreated.

Symptoms of Myopia

• • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects (e.g., road signs, whiteboards, TV).
  • Squinting or closing one eye to see better.
  • Frequent headaches or eye strain, especially after activities like driving or watching TV.
  • Difficulty seeing clearly in dim light or at night (night myopia).

What Causes Myopia?

• • Genetics: If one or both parents are nearsighted, there’s a higher chance you may develop it.
  • Lifestyle: Spending a lot of time on close-up activities like reading or using screens may increase the risk, especially in children.

Treatment Options for Myopia

There are several ways to manage or correct myopia:

1. 1. Glasses or Contact Lenses
      ⦿ The most common and non-invasive option. Prescription lenses correct the way light enters your eyes, making distant objects clear.
   2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
      ⦿ Special rigid contact lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts.
   3. Laser Eye Surgery
      ⦿ Procedures like LASIK permanently reshape the cornea to correct vision. This is suitable for adults whose prescriptions have stabilized.
   4. Myopia Control for Children
      ⦿ Treatments like low-dose atropine eye drops, multifocal lenses, or Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia in children. 

Why Treat Myopia?

Untreated myopia can impact daily life and may lead to complications like eye strain or reduced quality of life. In severe cases, high myopia increases the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, or macular degeneration later in life.