Understanding Nearsightedness: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the shape of the cornea or lens of the eye is not perfect, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in a clear image of close objects, but a blurry image of distant objects.
Nearsightedness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Genetics: Nearsightedness can run in families, so if one or both of your parents are nearsighted, you may be more likely to develop the condition.
Eye shape: The shape of your eye can affect how light is focused. If your eye is too long or the cornea is too curved, it can cause light to focus in front of the retina.
Close work: Spending too much time doing close-up activities like reading or using digital devices can increase the risk of developing nearsightedness.
Poor posture: Poor posture can lead to eye strain and increase the risk of developing myopia.
Nearsightedness can be treated with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Glasses and contact lenses work by changing the way light enters the eye, while refractive surgery alters the shape of the cornea to improve vision.
It is important to note that nearsightedness can increase the risk of other eye problems, such as cataracts and retinal detachment. Regular eye exams are recommended to monitor the progression of myopia and detect any potential complications early on.