Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is when the eye is unable to focus on far-off objects. It occurs when someone has a long eyeball or when the cornea of the eye is steep. When the eyeball is long, the image from a far object is focused in front of the retina and one is not able to see it clearly. At least 42% of Americans suffer from myopia. It is a hereditary condition, but the environment contributes significantly to the development of myopia. This is why cases of myopia keep rising. Read on to learn more.
How Does Myopia Affect Your Life?
Myopia is associated with old age. However, the condition can affect young children as well. When a child suffers from myopia, they are likely to suffer from advanced levels of the condition. Such levels increase the risks of someone suffering from diseases, such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma. These diseases can further lead to permanent loss of vision.
In less severe cases, myopia only requires optical correction with contact lenses. You will only have to deal with the inconvenience of wearing diverging contact lenses. However, in cases where myopia exacerbates to other diseases, your doctor will have to monitor you over time.
In some instances, the eyeball grows so long that the retina starts showing signs of duress. These signs include the degeneration of the lattice and lacquer cracks. These signs are only seen in extreme cases of myopia.
How is Myopia Treated?
You can prevent myopia by being outdoors at least two hours every day. The natural light from the sun can reduce your chances of developing myopia. For kids who spend almost all day studying, it is advisable that they do as much studying in the evening when the sun has set.
If you suspect you are developing myopia, visit your eye doctor regularly for checkup. If detected early, the doctor will recommend contact lenses and some medication until the eyeball stops growing. If the doctor assesses that the eyeball is no longer growing, they can perform refractive surgery.
Correcting your vision with diverging lenses will help you see better, but will not stop the eyeball from growing. As such, the doctor will have to slow down the growth using medication and special contact lenses.
Conclusion
Myopia can affect anyone at any age. However, it can be stopped through simple practices, such as being outdoors for a few hours every day. If you keep visiting your eye doctor, myopia can be detected early and treated appropriately.
