Do you find it hard to see faraway objects such as billboards until you are a few feet away, but easy to read text messages on your phone? If so, you might be nearsighted or myopic. Myopia also goes by the prevalent name of nearsightedness. 

It is a condition where objects close by appear clear, whereas distant objects look blurry. It is a common vision problem affecting many people worldwide. Here are some insights into myopia's causes, symptoms, and risk factors.

Causes of Myopia

Myopia occurs when your eye's shape causes light to focus incorrectly. The eyeball is usually abnormally long, or the cornea is extremely curved. Consequently, the light focuses in front of the retina rather than on it. This results in blurry distant vision.

Symptoms of Myopia

The most prevalent symptom of myopia is difficulty seeing distant objects. Additional symptoms may include:
 

• Headaches

• Having blurred vision if you try looking at far objects

• Eyestrain

• Squinting or partially closing your eyelids to see more clearly

• Struggling to see while driving at night

In some cases, myopia may also cause eye fatigue or double vision. You may also notice your little one prefers to sit near the TV.

Myopia Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing myopia. Examples include genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle factors. Little ones with one or both myopic parents are more likely to develop the condition. 
 

Additionally, your chances of developing the condition increase if you spend extended periods doing nearby work. This may include reading or using electronic devices. Other risk factors include:
 

• Prematurely bith

• Having low weight at birth

• Suffering from certain medical conditions such as diabetes

Myopia Treatment

Corrective lenses like glasses or contact lenses treat myopia. These lenses help the eyes focus light correctly on the retina, resulting in clearer vision. Another way of correcting myopia is refractive surgery, including PRK or LASIK. They reshape your cornea to help your eyes focus correctly.

Myopia Prevention Options

Unfortunately, myopia is not entirely preventable. But you can take certain steps to decrease the risk of developing it. For starters, you can engage more in outdoor activities. You can also limit the time spent doing close-up work. 

These steps are paramount if you wish to reduce the risk of myopia. More importantly, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial. They help in the early detection of myopia and other eye conditions. It facilitates early treatment to preserve your vision.

Conclusion

Myopia is a prevalent vision problem that affects many people the world over. Treatments include refractive surgery and refractive lenses. Prevention measures include encouraging outdoor activities and limiting close-up work.

Other treatments like atropine eye drops, cyclopentolate, or multifocal lenses can help slow its progression. Typically, myopia starts in childhood and runs in families. After your teenage years, most people's eyes stop changing, but not always. See your eye doctor annually or if you notice vision changes.

For more on the causes, symptoms, and risk factors of myopia, visit Loman Eye Care at our Carmel, Indiana, office. Call (317) 844-7474 to schedule an appointment today.