Myopia - Symptom, Treatment And Causes

Myopia is also known as nearsightedness. Myopia is defined as a refractive disorder of the eye. It has become more common in recent years. The exact cause of myopia is not yet known but studies suggest that eye fatigue due to excessive computer usage, genetic predisposition, other prolonged near vision tasks or spending longs hours in front of the television are leading causes of myopia.

Myopia generally occurs if the eyeball is excessively long which makes it relative to the concentrating power of the lens and the cornea of the eyes. This makes the light rays focus at a point in the front portion of the retina, rather than on the surface. Myopia usually begins during childhood. If one or both your parents have myopia, you are at a higher risk of developing myopia. It also progresses and worsens with age if proper care isn’t taken.

Myopia or nearsightedness can be treated by wearing contact lenses or glasses. Though this doesn’t cure myopia completely, but it prevents the power from increasing. If your degree of myopia is high, it is advisable to opt for a refractive surgery. This surgery usually eliminates the need for contacts or glasses. Excimer laser s the most common laser used for correcting vision. Contact lenses and glasses need not be worn every time of the day. It can only be worn when you want clear distance vision, like while watching a movie, looking at a chalkboard or while driving.

• PRK- In this form of treatment, the laser starts to remove the corneal tissue and flattens the cornea allowing light rays to focus properly on the retina of the eye.
• Lasik- This is the most common form of refractive procedure opted by people with myopia. In this procedure, a flap is created on the cornea surface and the laser starts removing corneal tissue till the thin flap goes back to its original position.
• Orthokeratology- This is a non surgical procedure where you are supposed to wear special rigid gas permeable (GP or RGP) contact lenses during night which reshape your cornea while you’re asleep. This form of treatment is temporary and used to correct moderate levels of myopia. Both these procedures are great alternatives to surgery for people who are not suitable for a LASIK or a refractive surgery.
• Phakic IOLs- These work as contact lenses, but they are surgically placed inside the eyes and are permanent. No maintenance is required for Phakic IOLs.

Yes, if not treated correctly it can worsen with time which can make your eye weak and cause further medical complications like macular degeneration, retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, or if it gets worse blindness.

Summary: Genetic diseases like Myopia can affect your eyesight as you grow older in your life. If not managed properly one can lose eyesight with it.

Like eye exercises, wearing eyeglasses or lenses does not cure or worsen Myopia but it will help you slow down the process. Make sure to have the correct eye number and lenses, incorrect lenses can worsen the situation.

Summary: Like eye exercises, wearing eyeglasses or lenses does not cure or worsen Myopia. But wearing the right form of glasses can help you slow down the process.

Myopia cannot be cured but can be managed with the help of medical aid and some care. Here are some of the things that you can do in order to slow down the damage of Myopia:

• UV light exposure - While the sun may be damaging to your eyesight, it can be beneficial for your overall health. Optimum exposure to ultraviolet rays will help you maintain the natural shape of the eye as it keeps the molecular structure of the cornea and sclera intact. Keep in mind that do not see directly to the sun or get in contact with sudden bright light as it can damage your eyesight.
• Have a constant touch with your eye specialist. It is not easy to manage a chronic health condition, especially when you have additional health conditions like high BP or sugar, so keep up with your medication and checkups.
• Keep it away from any damage, wear eye gear when working with flames or fumes, sunglasses when outside, and glass all the time will save them from any sudden strain or damage. Also, avoid getting any smoke or dust in your eyes.
• Have a healthy diet - Add nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A and other minerals to have healthy eyesight. Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol will boost your health or at least keep you away from the damage.
• Exercise better sight lifestyle - constantly looking at the screen can make your eyes dry, make sure to use the 20-20 rule if you are working on computers for more than 1-2 hrs. Also use appropriate light while reading or doing something will not put a strain on the eyes and prevent you from night blindness.

Summary: Genetic diseases do not have any cure, however, there are some things that one can do in order to reduce the effects of the physical damage caused by Myopia.

There is solid evidence that practicing eye exercises can reduce Myopia. However, studies have stated that night blindness and nearsightedness can be prevented. Eye exercises in general also keep your eye away from damages but do not cure the damage that has already been done.

Summary: There is solid evidence that practicing eye exercises can reduce Myopia. However, studies have stated that exercise can help you prevent further medical complications.