Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision problem affecting millions worldwide. It makes distant objects appear blurry, while close-up ones stay clear. This happens when your eye shape causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
 

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia develops when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. These changes make it hard for the eye to focus light correctly. Genetics plays a significant role; if one or both parents are nearsighted, you are more likely to have it.
 

Lifestyle factors also matter. Spending hours on screens or doing close-up tasks may increase the risk. Kids who spend little time outdoors may also be more prone to developing myopia.
 

Environmental changes, like more indoor activities, are thought to contribute to the rising cases of myopia worldwide.
 

Symptoms of Myopia

• Blurry distance vision — Difficulty seeing faraway objects, such as road signs or classroom boards.

• Squinting — Frequent squinting to try to see distant objects more clearly.

• Headaches — Regular headaches caused by eye strain from trying to focus on distant objects.

• Tired eyes — Eyes that feel strained or fatigued after prolonged focus on distant tasks.

• Behavioral signs in children — Sitting close to the TV or holding books close to their faces.
   

Recognizing these symptoms early can help manage myopia and prevent further complications.
 

Long-Term Risks of Myopia

For most people, mild to moderate myopia is manageable with corrective lenses. However, severe myopia can lead to more serious eye issues over time.
 

High myopia increases the risk of retinal detachment, which can cause vision loss if untreated. It is also linked to glaucoma and macular degeneration, which affect eyesight in the long term.
 

These risks make regular eye exams even more important, especially for people with severe nearsightedness. Early detection helps prevent complications.
 

Managing Myopia

Glasses or contact lenses are the most common ways to correct myopia. These tools help the eyes focus light correctly, making distant objects clear again.
 

For kids, options like special contact lenses or glasses can slow the progression of the condition. Spending more time outdoors and limiting screen time can also help reduce eye strain.
 

In some cases, eye drops like atropine control worsen myopia in children. For adults, surgeries like LASIK can permanently correct vision. It is always best to consult an eye care professional about treatment options.
 

The Importance of Early Detection

• It slows the progression of myopia. Catching myopia early can prevent it from worsening over time, especially during childhood.

• It reduces the risk of complications. Early detection lowers the chances of developing retinal detachment or glaucoma.

• It improves treatment outcomes. Starting treatment early makes it more effective and helps maintain better vision for longer.

• It prevents academic challenges. Children with undiagnosed myopia may struggle to see the board, impacting their school performance.

• It supports lifelong eye health. Regular checkups catch problems early, protecting vision and reducing long-term health risks.

• It gives families peace of mind. Early detection ensures children get the care they need, reducing stress and uncertainty for parents.
   

For more on myopia, visit Eyediology Vision. Our office is in Providence, Rhode Island. Call (401) 903-4100 to book an appointment today.
 

Sources: 

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375556# 

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/myopia-nearsightedness