Nearsightedness |
Nearsightedness, or myopia, occurs when light entering the eye
focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This is
caused by a cornea that is steeper, or an eye that is longer, than
a normal eye. Nearsighted people typically see well up close, but
have difficulty seeing far away. As a result, someone with
myopia tends to squint when viewing far away objects.
Nearsightedness affects males and females equally, and those
with a family history of nearsightedness are more likely to
develop it. Nearsightedness often develops in school-aged kids
or teenagers, and progresses during the growth years, requiring
frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses. It usually stops
progressing as growth is completed in the early twenties. Most
eyes with nearsightedness are entirely healthy, but a small
number of people with myopia develop a form of retinal
degeneration.
focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This is
caused by a cornea that is steeper, or an eye that is longer, than
a normal eye. Nearsighted people typically see well up close, but
have difficulty seeing far away. As a result, someone with
myopia tends to squint when viewing far away objects.
Nearsightedness affects males and females equally, and those
with a family history of nearsightedness are more likely to
develop it. Nearsightedness often develops in school-aged kids
or teenagers, and progresses during the growth years, requiring
frequent changes in glasses or contact lenses. It usually stops
progressing as growth is completed in the early twenties. Most
eyes with nearsightedness are entirely healthy, but a small
number of people with myopia develop a form of retinal
degeneration.
Signs and Symptoms
Blurry vision distance is the primary symptom associated with nearsightedness.
Oftentimes a person with nearsightedness can see more clearly in the distance when
squinting.
Treatment
Treatment depends on several factors such as the patient's age, activities, and
occupation. Vision can corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Refractive
procedures such as LASIK can be considered for adults when their prescription has
remained stable for at least one year.
Blurry vision distance is the primary symptom associated with nearsightedness.
Oftentimes a person with nearsightedness can see more clearly in the distance when
squinting.
Treatment
Treatment depends on several factors such as the patient's age, activities, and
occupation. Vision can corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Refractive
procedures such as LASIK can be considered for adults when their prescription has
remained stable for at least one year.