Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry or out of focus , while nearby objects are seen clearly. While myopia cannot be prevented, there are several ways to slow its progression and treat it to improve vision. In this blog post, we'll discuss its symptoms and explore some prevention and treatment options.
Symptoms of myopia
The first step to understanding myopia is to know its symptoms and learn to recognize it.
Difficulty focusing on distant objects
A person with myopia may have trouble seeing distant objects clearly. For this reason, they often need to squint to focus on these objects, straining their eyes.
Headache
Due to the effort a person makes when trying to focus, headaches may begin, also due to the eye strain that occurs.
Eye strain
Because the person cannot see correctly, they make a visual effort, causing eye strain after prolonged activities, such as reading or using screens, due to the effort made by the nearsighted person.
Myopia prevention
If you haven't yet experienced the symptoms of myopia, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing it, especially in children, although it's important to know that you can't prevent it forever.
Spend time outdoors
Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors can decrease the risk of developing myopia, especially in children. So, make sure you and your children spend enough time outdoors, even if it's just walking or reading in a nearby park.
Limit screen time
Spending a lot of time in front of a screen can increase the risk of developing nearsightedness. Limit the time you spend in front of the computer, television, mobile phone, or other electronic devices.
Rest your eyes
Rest your eyes during prolonged activities, such as reading or using screens. Every 20 minutes, focus on a distant object for 20 seconds to relax your eyes.
Maintain good posture
Maintain proper posture while performing any activity: watching television, reading, or working on the computer, to avoid straining your eyes and thus reduce eye fatigue.
Follow a healthy diet
A nutrient-rich diet can help maintain eye health. Be sure to eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and lutein, such as carrots, spinach, and oranges.
Maintain proper lighting and environment
Good lighting is recommended, avoiding direct sunlight and shadows to prevent eye strain. Additionally, a comfortable ambient temperature is advisable, avoiding extremes of heat and cold to prevent dry eyes.
How to treat myopia
Although nearsightedness cannot be cured, there are several treatment options that can help correct vision and prevent its progression. Some of these treatment options are listed below.
Glasses and contact lenses
Glasses and contact lenses are common treatment options for nearsightedness (myopia). These optical devices work by bending light so that it focuses correctly on the retina of the eye, improving visual clarity. Glasses are an easy and comfortable treatment option, while contact lenses can provide greater freedom of movement and a more natural appearance. It is important to remember that glasses and contact lenses do not cure nearsightedness; they only provide temporary vision correction.
Intraocular lenses
Intraocular lenses are a type of artificial lens that is placed inside the eye during eye surgery. They can correct nearsightedness by changing the way light enters the eye. They are a permanent treatment option for nearsightedness and can be a good choice for people who are not candidates for other treatments.
Refractive surgery
Refractive surgery is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of the cornea to improve vision. It has a high success rate and can provide permanent vision correction. However, it's important to note that refractive surgery carries risks and may not be suitable for everyone.
Orthokeratology therapy
This involves using special contact lenses to reshape the cornea overnight, allowing for clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, orthokeratology therapy is not suitable for everyone and may not provide complete correction of myopia.
Visual exercises
Visual exercises are another treatment option for myopia, focusing on changing eye posture, focus, and movement. While the effectiveness of visual exercises for treating myopia remains debated, some studies suggest they may be beneficial in improving vision for some patients.
In short...
Nearsightedness (myopia) is a common vision problem that can significantly impact quality of life. Symptoms of nearsightedness include difficulty seeing distant objects, eye strain, and headaches. However, there are preventative measures to reduce the risk of developing nearsightedness, such as getting adequate rest for your eyes and spending time outdoors. If you already have nearsightedness, there are treatment options, such as corrective lenses, refractive surgery, or vision therapy, that can help improve your vision.
If you have vision problems, it's important to visit an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of action.
At Gafas de Óptica, we are available for any questions on this topic, offering expert optician advice and a wide range of glasses for the treatment of myopia.