The Rise of Myopia
The Rise of Myopia
What is Myopia?
Myopia a.k.a nearsightedness is when you have difficulty seeing distance. There has been a recent uprise in Myopia due to lifestyle changes towards more technological engagement. The reason those with Myopia do not have a clear image is that their eye is too long, making it difficult for the light rays to focus on the retina but rather in front of it. Because of this, it will then create a blurry image.
What are the causes?
Focusing on an up-close object for too long: the focusing muscles in the eyes lock up and lengthen, creating nearsightedness. This could be from too much activity looking at screens or even books for an extended period of time
Hereditary: there is a high chance of having Myopia if both parents are Myopic. If you have Myopia, it usually stabilizes in early adulthood but could progress with age.
Cornea/Lens are too curved: light coming into the eye will not focus correctly
Treatment:
Eyeglasses: adding anti-reflective coatings or photochromic lenses help protect your eyes from UV rays and blue light
Contact Lenses: contact lenses can help create a clearer image but need to be properly taken care of to keep your eyes healthy
Lasik or Refractive Surgery: laser treatment can be used to reshape your cornea by removing some of your eye tissue; this will be dependent on how much corneal tissue you have
Orthokeratology (non-surgical): this is the process of wearing a series of contact lenses that will help reshape the curve your cornea without the use of laser; these can be worn at night and taken off during the day so you can have clear temporary vision during the day (good for moderate myopia)
Vision Therapy: can help reshape the cornea with various eye exercises
Sources:
http://www.dishaeye.org/blog/30-facts-myopia/
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/myopia.htm