How is Myopia Diagnosed?
What is myopia?
Myopia is otherwise known as nearsightedness and it is an ocular condition in which objects that are further away appear blurry while objects that are closer appear more focused.
Myopia occurs as a result of an increased distance between the cornea and retina of the eye and as such, light is refracted in a manner where it is focused in front of the retina instead of on it. Myopia is a prominent ocular problem that is caused by an increased amount of ‘near work’, without sufficient rest for the eyes over extended periods of time. ‘Near work’ is usually defined by activities such as reading or using hand-held electronic devices.
Who usually gets diagnosed with myopia?
Myopia is typically diagnosed in children between the ages of 8 to 12, as the eye is continuously growing at this stage. While the causes of myopia are not definitively known, both environmental factors as well as genetic factors play a part in its onset.
How can I find out if I or anyone in my family is myopic?
Testing for myopia can be done in several ways to confirm its existence as well as the severity. The following are methods that are used in diagnosing myopia:
Phoropters are tools used by optometrists where different lenses are placed in front of the patient's eyes to measure the ability to focus on light.
Identifying letters on a snellen chart, or a distance chart. Visual acuity is tested in this manner, where the patient is asked to read numbers or letters at the top of a chart where they are usually the largest. This continues until the furthest point the patient can go to identify the smallest letter or number.
In the event that the patient already uses eyeglasses or contact lenses, these tests are administered with the patient wearing their required eyewear.
This ensures that if a discrepancy exists between the patients current and new reading, appropriate eyewear can be prescribed. In instances where a patient is newly trying to determine whether they have myopia or other ocular issues, they are administered the above tests without the use of any eyeglasses or contact lenses to ensure that the most accurate reading is taken.
Are there ways to ‘cure’ myopia?
In the event that myopia is diagnosed, patients are treated appropriately depending on the severity of advancement of the myopia, or the type of treatment the patient prefers to undertake. Methods of treatment include the use of prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, undergoing corrective refractive eye surgery or the use of atropine eye drops.
How often should I get my eyes tested?
There are different frequencies in which various age groups should have their eyes checked.
Ages 3 and below
During regular appointments with your child’s pediatrician, their eyes should be screened.
Ages 3 to 19
Every two years in case a current problem that does not exist pops up, or whilst getting fitted for corrective eyewear.
Ages 20 to 39
Instances where an incidence of family history exists, a comprehensive eye examination should be arranged to rule out any anomalies.
Ages 40 and up
With age there is a frequency in the occurrence of vision problems. Therefore, this age group should monitor their eyes, and screenings should be done regularly. Individuals should consult with their healthcare providers as to the regularity of the screenings.