Short-sightedness or Myopia is common in which objects closer appear clear, but farther objects seem blurry or unclear. When the shape of the eye, or certain parts of the eye, causes light rays to bend incorrectly, it results in a condition known as nearsightedness. This occurs when light rays that should be focused on the retina, located at the back of the eye, are instead focused in front of it.
At Belsons & Sons, we are leading opticians who are experts in providing support and advice to patients dealing with the effects of Myopia or shortsightedness. We have years of experience and expertise that we use to help our patients.
What is Short-sightedness? – also known as nearsighted and Myopia
Myopia, also known as shortsightedness, is a prevalent eye disorder that causes faraway objects to appear fuzzy while nearby objects remain clear. If you believe that you or your child may have Myopia, scheduling an eye examination with a nearby optician is advisable.
For instance, someone with shortsighted vision will find driving difficult because cars and signs in the distance will be blurry. However, a shortsighted person can see things close to their eyes. The exact distance will vary depending on the level of Myopia an individual faces.
Shortsighted people are very common. Studies report that there are approximately 2 billion people worldwide that experience Myopia. The report also says that should the trend continue, half the global population may be shortsighted by the year 2050.
The history of Myopia
The word “myopia” is derived from the Greek words “muo” (meaning “to close” or “to shut”) and “ops” (meaning “eye”), which together form the term “myops.” This term was used by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle in his work “Parts of Animals,” written around 350 BC, to describe a condition where the eyes of certain animals appeared to be more closed than those of other animals.
Later, in the 16th century, the term “myopia” was used to describe a condition in which a person’s eyes could see nearby objects clearly but struggled to see distant objects. It was believed to be caused by an eyeball elongation, which made the focal point of light fall in front of the retina rather than on it.
What causes short-sightedness?
The primary cause of short-sightedness is typically an elongated eyeball. This causes light rays to converge at a point in front of the retina instead of on its surface, resulting in blurry distant vision. However, it usually doesn’t impact close-up vision. Myopia typically develops during childhood and may have a hereditary component. While it often stabilises in adulthood, it can continue to progress with age.
The eye is a complex and remarkable organ that plays a vital role in our ability to see the world. Light enters the eye through the cornea, passes through the pupil, and is fine-tuned by the lens before being directed to the retina at the back of the eye. The retina then converts the light into electrical signals sent to the brain via the optic nerve, which interprets them as visual images.
Myopia is a refractive error within the eye
Refractive errors occur when the shape or condition of the eye causes light rays to bend inaccurately, resulting in blurry vision. Nearsightedness is caused by the eyeball being too long or the cornea being too curved, while farsightedness is caused by the eyeball being too short or too flat.
Astigmatism is caused by the cornea or lens having an irregular shape. Various factors, including genetics, age, environmental factors, eye injuries, diseases, or surgeries, can cause refractive errors. The shape and condition of the cornea and the shape of the eye are the primary factors that cause refractive errors.
Why does short-sightedness make things look blurry?
Issues with light refraction can cause the messages sent from the retina to the brain to be inaccurate, leading to blurred vision. When the eye cannot focus light correctly on the retina due to a refractive error, the image sent to the brain is out of focus. As a result, the brain receives incomplete and unclear visual information, which causes the perception of a blurry image.
What increases the risk of being short sighted?
Various factors can increase the risk of a person becoming short-sighted. Check out some of these reasons below:
Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in the development of shortsightedness. If one or both parents have Myopia, there is a higher chance that their children will also develop Myopia. It is believed that several genes are involved in determining the shape and length of the eye, which can lead to Myopia.
Close-up activities for lengthy periods of time
Engaging in close-up activities such as reading, writing, using a computer, or playing video games for extended periods can cause eyestrain, eventually leading to Myopia. This is because the constant focus on close-up objects can cause the eye to elongate and change shape, leading to the development of Myopia.
Screen time
Several studies have linked increased screen time to the development of Myopia, especially in children. It is believed that the blue light emitted by these devices may disrupt the circadian rhythm and cause changes in the eye’s shape, leading to Myopia.
Environment
The environment in which individual lives can also play a role in the development of Myopia. Research has shown that individuals who grow up in urban areas with high levels of ambient light and visual stimulation are more likely to develop Myopia than those who grow up in rural areas.
Ethnicity
Certain ethnic groups, such as East Asians, have a higher prevalence of Myopia than other ethnic groups. It can be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This increases their risk of developing Myopia.
Biological Gender
Research has shown that females are more likely to develop Myopia than males, although the reasons for this are not fully understood. Hormonal differences between males and females may play a role in this gender difference.
What are the symptoms of Myopia?
If you are suffering from the following symptoms, it may be that you have shortsightedness.
Blurry vision: One of the most common symptoms of Myopia is seeing things blurry or in an unclear manner.
Squinting: If you feel the need to squint a lot when trying to read something or see far-off objects, it is a classic symptom of nearsightedness.
Headaches: Another common symptom of Myopia is frequent headaches that may become unbearable.
Eye strain: If you have Myopia, you are likely experiencing tremendous strain on your eyes daily.
Eye Fatigue: People who are shortsighted or at risk of becoming myopic also suffer from eye fatigue.
Common signs of short-sightedness in adults
You can easily spot the common signs of Myopia in adults. These signs include having difficulty reading road signs while driving, experiencing a blurry vision in low-light conditions and driving at night. Other common signs include finding it tough to read words written on the TV or sitting closer to the screen.
Common signs of short-sightedness in Children
Some common signs of Myopia in children are excessive blinking, constant squinting, rubbing their eyes repeatedly and finding it tough to read things written on the blackboard in their classes at school. Also, seeing the kids sitting close to the TV or holding their devices closer to their faces can be a sign of nearsightedness.
Life complications associated with being nearsighted
A person with Myopia can decrease their quality of life in various ways. Below are some of the life complications that are linked with being nearsighted.
- Finding it tough to complete day-to-day life tasks
- Various health issues like migraines and headaches
- It can cause safety concerns while you are driving
- Risk of developing more serious eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma
- Difficulty in learning in school as well as participating in sports
- Negative impact on social development due to lack of self-confidence and low self-esteem
- Risk of developing a lazy eye
- Risk of developing a squint
When should you see an eye care specialist?
If you notice changes in your vision, find it difficult to perform activities like driving, or feel that your vision quality is affecting your daily routine, make an appointment with an eye doctor. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:
- The sudden appearance of multiple floaters that seem to drift through your field of vision
- Flashes of light in your eyes
- A grey shadow that covers all or part of your field of vision like a curtain
- A shadow in your peripheral vision (outer or side vision)
There are different stages when children and adults should get myopia testing done. Let us learn more about them in the sections below.
Recommended Myopia testing in Children & Teens
Your child’s eyes will be examined by their paediatrician or healthcare provider during three stages: at birth, between 6 to 12 months old, and between 12 to 36 months old. If any issues are found, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist specialising in eye health and care.
It is recommended that vision screenings are conducted at least once between ages 3 and 5, before starting kindergarten (usually at age 5 or 6), and annually until the end of high school.
Recommended Myopia testing in Adults
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, adults who are in good health with no known issues related to their vision or eye health should undergo a comprehensive eye examination on the following schedule:
- At least once between the ages of 20 and 29
- At least twice between ages 30 and 39
- Every 2 to 4 years between ages 40 and 54
- Every 1 to 3 years between ages 55 and 64
- Every 1 to 2 years after age 65
Treatments for short-sightedness (Myopia)
Several different treatments for Myopia can bring relief to patients. These treatments include glasses, contact lenses, and Lasik eye and lens surgery.
Glasses or contact lenses can help with Myopia
Prescription glasses can help people suffering from shortsightedness by helping their eyes focus correctly. These glasses are suitable for both adults and children with Myopia. However, if we talk about using lenses, they can be suitable for children and adults in specific cases but only sometimes. You should consult your ophthalmologist regarding which would suit your case.
Laser eye surgery (Lasik eye surgery)
Laser eye surgery is a method where the shape of the front of your eye is changed to lessen the impact of Myopia. During LASIK surgery, a laser is used to create a thin flap in the cornea, which is the clear front part of the eye. The flap is lifted, and another laser is used to reshape the cornea to focus light more accurately onto the retina at the back of the eye. Finally, the flap is carefully repositioned and left to heal naturally.
Lens surgery
In this surgery, your eyes’ natural lenses are replaced with artificial lenses to improve your vision. It is recommended for those patients who may not be suitable candidates for Lasik eye surgery. During the lens surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea, and a tiny lens is implanted in the eye in front of the natural lens. The implanted lens helps to focus light more accurately onto the retina, improving vision for people with Myopia.
Can you prevent Myopia?
As per the medical knowledge today on this topic, Myopia cannot be prevented, nor do we know exactly what causes it in people who suffer from it. Even though it cannot be prevented, there are a few things you can do to keep it from getting worse.
How to stop nearsightedness from getting worse
- Taking frequent breaks and looking away from near work, such as reading or using a computer, can help reduce eye strain and prevent the worsening of Myopia.
- Spending time outdoors, particularly in natural sunlight, has been shown to help slow the progression of Myopia in children.
- When doing near work, take a break every 20 minutes and look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Ortho-k (orthokeratology) is a type of vision correction that uses special rigid gas-permeable contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea and correct refractive errors such as Myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
- Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can help maintain overall health, which can, in turn, help slow the progression of Myopia.
- Using proper lighting when doing near work can help reduce eye strain and prevent Myopia from getting worse.
- Wearing appropriate glasses or contact lenses can help reduce eye strain and prevent the worsening of Myopia.
Belson & Sons Opticians can help you combat short-sightedness!
Myopia or shortsightedness can hurt the quality of life of the patients suffering from it. However, with proper treatment, it can be tackled. Belson & Sons are expert opticians serving the areas of Essex and London. They specialise in providing comprehensive eye testing services in collaboration with the NHS, ensuring your eye health is in good hands.
Belson & Sons offers a range of prescription glasses, bifocals, and contact lenses to suit your individual needs. Their experienced team of opticians is committed to helping you achieve optimal vision and eye health. So, if you are showing symptoms of Myopia or want to be proactive, book an eye test today.