Myopia is a common visual condition that makes distant objects appear blurry or out of focus, while close objects are seen clearly. Although myopia cannot be prevented, there are several ways to slow its progression and treat it to improve vision. In this blog post, we will tell you about its symptoms, explore some prevention measures, and treatment options for myopia.
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 the person makes trying to focus, headaches may begin, also caused by the eye strain that occurs.
Eye fatigue
When vision is not clear, the person exerts visual effort, causing eye fatigue after prolonged activities such as reading or using screens, due to the strain on the myopic person's eyes.
Prevention of Myopia
If you have not yet experienced symptoms of myopia, there are some measures you can take to reduce the risk of developing myopia, especially in children, although it is important to know that you cannot avoid it forever.
Spend time outdoors
Studies have shown that spending more time outdoors can reduce the risk of developing myopia, especially in children. Therefore, make sure you and your children spend enough time outside, even if it is 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 myopia. 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 doing any activity: watching TV, reading, or working on the computer, to avoid straining your eyes and thus reduce eye fatigue.
Follow a healthy diet
A diet rich in nutrients can help maintain eye health. Make sure to eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, and lutein, such as carrots, spinach, and oranges.
Maintain proper lighting and environment
It is recommended to have good lighting, avoiding direct light and shadows to prevent eye strain. Also, it is advisable that the temperature is comfortable and pleasant, avoiding cold and heat to prevent dry eyes.
How to treat myopia
Although myopia cannot be cured, there are several treatment options that can help correct vision and prevent its progression. Below are some treatment options for myopia.
Glasses and contact lenses
Glasses and contact lenses are a common treatment option for myopia. These optical devices work by bending light so that it focuses correctly on the retina, 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 myopia but provide temporary vision correction.
Intraocular lenses
Intraocular lenses are a type of artificial lens placed inside the eye during eye surgery, which can correct myopia by changing the way light enters the eye. They are a permanent treatment option for myopia 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 is important to keep in mind 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 clear vision throughout the day without the need to wear 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. Although the effectiveness of visual exercises for treating myopia is still debated, some studies suggest they may be beneficial for improving vision in some patients.
In short...
Myopia is a common visual problem that can significantly impact quality of life. Symptoms of myopia include difficulty seeing distant objects, eye fatigue, and headaches. However, there are preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing myopia, such as proper eye rest and spending time outdoors. If you already have myopia, there are treatment options such as corrective lenses, refractive surgery, or visual therapy that can help improve your vision quality.
If you have vision problems, it is important to visit an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of action.
At Gafas de Óptica, we are available for any questions on the subject, offering expert optical advice and a wide range of glasses for myopia treatment.
