Are you finding that you can complete close work clearly but struggle to see things a little further away? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Myopia also is known as short-sightedness or near-sightedness is an eye health condition in which distant objects appear blurred and close objects are seen clearly. Myopia now affects 1 in every 4 people and is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under 40 years of age.
In children, Myopia occurs most often in classrooms viewing slides or whiteboards and as adults when driving and watching movies or television screens. But before your next eye test, it’s always good to know the ins and outs of the condition so you can learn and fully understand how your eyes are changing.
What is myopia or short-sightedness?
Short-sightedness is a condition affecting the beholder’s ability to see both close and far objects. Those suffering from long-sightedness are unable able to see long-distance items clearly but can focus on those close to them. Those who are short-sighted are most likely unaware they hold the condition as the eye will correct itself to make far objects appear clear.
Common symptoms of long-sightedness include:
- Seeing close objects clearly but distant objects distorted or blurred
- Incurring headaches from eye strain
- Difficulty seeing while driving a vehicle particularly at night
- Feeling the need to “screw up” or blink your eyes more frequently to enhance your vision
Why does it occur?
During regular, unaffected vision, light rays will be focused by the cornea and lens, to then form a clear image on your retina. Short-sightedness occurs due to a refractive error, where light entering the eye is focussed by the cornea, but this image will be focusing in front of the retina leaving the image blurry or distorted. This does not correspond with any astigmatism your eye may have.
Who can develop short-sightedness?
Short-sightedness can affect people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. Long-sightedness may develop with age as adults reach the ages of 40+ years but many can develop this earlier for reasons unknown.
Many children often suffer from long-sightedness and some with age, self-solve the problem as the eyes lengthen with growth. However, children that suffer from Myopia may not be aware of the problems with their eyes as they are unaware their vision is impaired.
Some symptoms shown by children include a squint where a singular eye begins to turn inwards whilst the eye focuses on a nearby object. If left untreated in young children, this squint may develop into a lazy eye. If unsure, we recommend bringing your child in as early as possible to have their eyes checked. At Adelaide City Optometrist, Paul specialises in children’s vision to ensure that your child is getting the best start to their life visually.
How do you treat short-sightedness?
Most people affected by short-sightedness wear corrective lenses in the form of glasses or contact lenses. However, there are some laser treatments available that come with higher risks.
Contact lenses can be recommended for those who lots of driving or distance work daily. Glasses can be worn either all the time or only when distance work. Laser refraction surgery can also help treat adults with short-sightedness. However, laser surgery is not recommended for children. Those with less severe short-sightedness may not need treatment as their eyes will naturally adjust over time to see clearly.
Where can it be treated?
Myopia can be treated and discovered at your local optometrists with regular eye tests and check-ups on your eye care. Scripts, eyeglasses, or contact lenses can be arranged by your local optometrist or eye doctor. Adelaide City Optometrist offers all these services and more. Either call (08 8224 0819) or book an appointment today.
At Adelaide City Optometrist we try to offer the best vision options to every client. Every set of glasses are fitted and centred to your eye. Our digital fitting system accurately measures how each frame sits on your face, taking into account your nose, pupil height, head tilt, and ears. Interested to see how our fitting service works? You can also now book a private frame consult with our practice manager.
The Hidden Dangers of Myopia
Unfortunately, the struggles of having myopia doesn’t end with the fear of thick lenses. Recent studies have now shown that people affected with myopia are more vulnerable to eye diseases and complications.
Those who suffer from mild myopia or short-sightedness, the risk of retinal detachment increases by 4x. For those who suffer from severe myopia, this risk increases by 10x. Other risks from myopia include glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration.
It’s important if you notice any of the key myopia symptoms in yourself or your children, you have them see an optometrist as soon as possible. Early detection can help to prevent eye disease and deterioration with consistent eye checks and lenses.
How to Manage Myopia
It’s incredibly important that those who have children with Myopia correctly manage the condition. The are many challenges people face with impaired vision but for those who suffer from myopia, these challenges increase. Not only do they suffer from the average changes that come with impaired vision, but also the challenges unique to Myopia.
Managing Myopia especially from a young age is extremely important as it will slow or stop the progression of myopia and reduce the impression on your child’s life. The earlier you start this treatment, the more effective it becomes.
Coopervision’s new product Misight is the perfect contact lens product to help combat the effects of myopia in children. These contact lenses are designed to be worn in the morning and removed every night before bed. Misight is designed to reduce the growth of myopia whilst offering the user clear eyesight when worn. This product allows children to have excellent vision without the hassle and inconveniences of wearing glasses.
Myopia can be noticed by even the smaller twitch, squinting or blinking of your child’s eye. Book an appointment with us today to ensure that your children are getting the best head start on their vision.
Concerned about your vision?
Call us today to ask any questions or book your next appointment.
For any other questions, you can read this Myopia Study for more information.