Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is an eye condition in which individuals can see nearby objects distinctly but have difficulty seeing distant objects. For example, a person with myopia can easily read the words in a book but may experience blurred vision when attempting to read a whiteboard at school, watch a movie in the theatre, or read far-off road signs. This post will address some of the most frequently asked questions about myopia in order to assist those afflicted with this condition in understanding their prognosis and potential treatment options.
What is the primary reason for myopia?
Myopia is a common disorder. It is the most prevalent cause of vision impairment in individuals under the age of 40.
Unknown is the precise cause of myopia. Some evidence suggests that the disorder is at least partially genetic. If one or both parents have myopia, there is a greater chance that their offspring will also develop the condition. The rising incidence of myopia globally suggests that excessive screen time and a lack of outdoor activity may also increase the likelihood of developing the condition. For example, studies have found that children who spend more time indoors and using screen devices (instead of playing outside) are at a greater risk for myopia.
Does myopia become worse as we age?
Some forms of myopia remain relatively stable from year to year, whereas others deteriorate over time. Those who deteriorate are classified as having “progressive myopia.” The retina may continue to elongate over time, thereby aggravating the refractive defect at the root of myopia. Even for those with progressive myopia, the progression will likely reduce or even cease over time. Those with the condition whose eyes are still developing are susceptible to progressive myopia. This progression typically declines or ceases around the age of 20, although some patients continue to experience progression into adulthood.
Could myopia be treated without surgery?
Yes. Various treatments are available for myopia correction, as well as treatments to delay its progression. Contact lenses and single-vision spectacles can rectify myopia by reducing refractive error and refocusing the eye’s focal point onto the retina. Without a management treatment, myopia will continue progressing and worsening over time.
Which lens should a myopic individual use?
The optimal remedy for myopia depends on the individual and the degree of refractive error. We frequently recommend orthokeratology (or “ortho-K”) lenses. Overnight while sleeping, Ortho-K lenses are designed to reshape the eye’s surface progressively. When you wake up in the morning, you can remove your contact lenses and enjoy clear, unaided vision for the duration of the day. Therefore, as long as you remember to implant the lenses each night, ortho-K can enable you to live a life relatively unaffected by myopia, even without wearing spectacles or contact lenses during the day. The various zones of orthokeratology lenses reduce “hyperopic defocus” and consequently delay the elongation of the eye and progression of myopia.
