What is Myopia?

Myopia is also known as being short sighted or nearsighted. When this occurs, our vision of objects present in the distance appears more blurred when compared to objects that are in fact closer to us. 

This occurs due to a refractive error within the eye where the eye does not refract or bend the light entering it as it should, which distorts the acuity of objects that are further away. 

What physiological changes happen in my eyes when I have myopia? 

In patients that have been diagnosed with myopia, light entering the eye does not focus adequately. 

Let’s remember though, myopia is not an ophthalmic disease but instead it is the inability of the eye to focus as a result of the space between the cornea and retina being too long. As such, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of on it.

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This only occurs because while the eye is growing, it grows too long in its horizontal or front-to-back dimensions. 

However, other myopia can also occur is the cornea of the eye, when it is more curved than the eyeball itself or when the lens inside the eye is too thick.  

What are the types of myopia?

There are three main categories of myopia as summarized below:

  1. Pathologic myopia – severe elongation of the length between the cornea and retina.

  2. School age myopia – occurs during the school going years and tends to normally stabilise during the early twenties. 

  3. Adult onset myopia – occurs between the ages of 20 to 40.

Who typically gets diagnosed with myopia?

Myopia is largely diagnosed in children that are between the ages of 8 to 12. During these formative years, the body is growing at a rapid rate and as the body grows so do the organs contained within it and as such the eye grows and changes shape as well. While myopia can also be diagnosed in adults, it generally occurs less frequently than it does in children and adolescents. 

What are the symptoms of myopia? 

The following summarises potential symptoms that may be associated with myopia:

  • Constantly having to squint to see objects that are further away

  • Having to sit very close to objects that are being viewed, such as the television or classroom board

  • Uncontrollable blinking or the constant need to rub one’s eyes 

  • Blurred or unclear vision of objects that are further away

  • Headaches that result from straining the eyes excessively 

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