Summary about Disease
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly. This occurs when the eye's shape causes light rays to refract (bend) incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina instead of on it. Myopia can range from mild to severe.
Symptoms
Blurry vision when looking at distant objects
Squinting to see clearly
Eye strain
Headaches
Excessive blinking
Difficulty seeing the board at school
Holding books or other reading materials close to the eyes
Causes
Genetics: A family history of myopia significantly increases the risk.
Environmental factors: Increased time spent doing close work (reading, using electronic devices) and decreased time spent outdoors have been linked to a higher prevalence of myopia, especially in children.
Eye shape: An elongated eyeball or a cornea that is too curved can cause light to focus in front of the retina.
Medicine Used
Corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses): These are the most common treatment, refracting light to focus properly on the retina. Different lens types are available to correct varying degrees of myopia.
Refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK): These procedures permanently reshape the cornea to correct the refractive error.
Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops can slow the progression of myopia in children.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special contact lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.
Is Communicable
No, myopia is not communicable. It is not caused by a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Regular eye exams: Important for early detection and monitoring of myopia, especially in children.
Limit close work: Encourage frequent breaks during activities requiring near vision, such as reading, using computers, or playing video games (20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
Increase outdoor time: Studies suggest spending more time outdoors may reduce the risk of developing myopia or slow its progression.
Proper lighting: Ensure adequate lighting for reading and other close work.
Follow doctor's advice: Adhere to prescribed treatments (glasses, contact lenses, eye drops) and recommendations from your eye doctor.
How long does an outbreak last?
Myopia is not an outbreak. It is a chronic condition that develops over time and can persist throughout life. Its progression can be managed with various treatments.
How is it diagnosed?
Visual acuity test: Measures how well you can see at different distances (Snellen chart).
Refraction: Determines the degree of refractive error using a phoropter or retinoscope.
Slit-lamp examination: Allows the eye doctor to examine the structures of the eye for any abnormalities.
Retinal examination: The pupils are dilated to allow for a detailed examination of the retina.
Timeline of Symptoms
Myopia often develops in childhood or adolescence.
Initially, symptoms may be mild and only noticeable when viewing distant objects.
As myopia progresses, blurry vision becomes more pronounced.
Symptoms may fluctuate depending on factors like fatigue or lighting conditions.
Without correction, the symptoms will likely persist and possibly worsen over time.
Important Considerations
Early detection and management of myopia in children are crucial to prevent high myopia, which is associated with an increased risk of other eye conditions like glaucoma, retinal detachment, and myopic macular degeneration.
Myopia management strategies aim to slow the progression of nearsightedness, particularly in children.
Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring the condition and adjusting treatment as needed.
Individuals with high myopia should be aware of the potential risks and undergo regular eye exams to screen for complications.