Myopia (Shortsightedness)

Myopia is a common vision condition in which nearby objects appear clear, but objects further away appear blurry. It occurs when the shape of the eye — or the shape of certain parts of the eye — causes light rays to bend in an abnormal way. Light rays that should be focused on the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye (the retina) focus in front of the retina.

Myopia usually develops during childhood and adolescence and usually becomes more stable between the ages of 20 and 40.

A basic eye exam can confirm myopia. You can correct blurred vision with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.

Symptoms

Myopia symptoms can include

• Blurry distance vision
• Squinting in order to see clearly
• Headaches
• Eye fatique

Children may have difficulty seeing things on boards or screens in the classroom. Younger children may not exhibit visual impairment, but may exhibit the following behaviors that indicate visual impairment:

• Persistand eye squinting
• Appearing not to distinguish distant objects
• Eye rubbing
• Sitting close to the TV screen

Adults with myopia may notice difficulty reading signs on the street or in a store. Some people may experience blurred vision in dim light, such as when driving at night, even if they see clearly in daylight. This condition is called night myopia.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with an eye doctor if your child shows signs of vision problems or if a teacher mentions possible problems.

Make an appointment for yourself if you notice a change in your vision, if you have difficulty performing tasks such as driving, or if you find that the quality of your vision reduces the comfort of carrying out your activities.

Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden onset of floaters
• Light flashes
• A gray curtain covering part of the field of vision
• A shadow in your peripheral vision

These may be warning signs that the retina is detaching from the back of the eye. This condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. Significant myopia is associated with an increased risk of retinal detachment.

Regular eye exams

Both children and adults may not notice vision problems or changes that occur gradually.

Children and adolescents

The pediatrician will perform relatively simple tests to check the health of your child's eyes at birth, between 6 and 12 months, and between 12 and 36 months. A more thorough check can be performed by the ophthalmologist if necessary.

A regular examination can be performed, it is useful to have it performed by the ophthalmologist.

Recommended eye exams should take place

• At least once between the ages of 3 and 5
• Before kindergarten, between the age of 5 and 6
• Every year until the end of middle school

Adults

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that healthy adults with no known vision problems or eye disease undergo a complete eye examination according to the following schedule:

• At least once between the ages of 20 and 29
• At least twice between the ages of 30 and 39
• Every 2 to 4 years from 40 to 54 years old
• Every one to three years between the ages of 55 and 64
• Every 1 to 2 years after the age of 65

If you have diabetes, a family history of eye disease, high blood pressure, or other risks of heart or vascular disease, you'll likely need more regular eye exams. You'll also likely need more regular checkups if you already have prescription glasses or contact lenses, or if you've had surgery to correct vision.

Causes

Your eyes have two components that focus images

• The cornea is the clear dome shaped front surface of the eye
• The lens is a clear structure behind the iris

To be able to see, light must pass through the cornea and lens. They refract light so that light is focused directly on the retina at the back of your eye. This translates light into signals sent to the brain, which allow you to perceive images.

Refractive errors

Η μυωπία είναι ένα διαθλαστικό σφάλμα. Αυτό το πρόβλημα εμφανίζεται όταν το σχήμα ή η κατάσταση του κερατοειδούς - ή το σχήμα του ίδιου του ματιού - έχει ως αποτέλεσμα μια ανακριβή εστίαση του φωτός που περνά στο μάτι.

Myopia usually results from the eye being larger than normal It can also be due to the fact that the curve of the cornea is too steep. These changes result in light rays joining at a point in front of the retina and intersecting. The messages sent from the retina to the brain are perceived as blurry.

Other refractive errors include:

• Hyperopia (hyperopia). This happens when your eyeball is smaller than a typical eye or your cornea is less convex. Some people may perceive distant objects as somewhat clear, but nearby objects appear blurry. For some people with farsightedness, objects are blurry at all distances.
• astigmatism. This happens when the cornea has an uneven surface. Vision is distorted or blurred at all distances.

Risk factors

Some risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing myopia, such as the following:

• Genetics. Myopia can occur in families. If one of your parents is nearsighted, your risk of developing the condition increases.
• Prolonged close activities. Prolonged reading or other close activities are associated with an increased risk of myopia.
• Screen time. Studies have shown that children who use computers or smart devices for a long time may have a higher risk of developing myopia.
• Environmental conditions. Some studies support the idea that lack of time outdoors can increase the risk of myopia.

Complications

Myopia is associated with a variety of complications from mild to severe, including:

• Poor school performance. Children with myopia or other vision problems may experience delays in reading or other academic skills, difficulty in social interactions, and low self-esteem.
• Reduced quality of life. Uncorrected myopia can prevent you from properly performing daily tasks or enjoying activities.
• Eye strain. Uncorrected myopia can cause persistent eye strain and headaches.
• Reduced security. Your safety and the safety of others can be compromised if you have an uncorrected vision problem. This can be especially serious if you drive a car or operate heavy equipment.
• Other eye problems. Severe myopia puts you at increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and other serious eye diseases.