Overview
Myopia is a condition in which distant objects appear blurry and near objects are clear. It usually starts in childhood or adolescence and can increase during growth.
Myopia is rapidly increasing worldwide. It is estimated that half of the world's population will be myopic by 2050. About 40% of young adults are myopic in our country.
Symptoms
- Distant objects appear blurry
- Squinting to see clearly
- Headache (due to eye strain)
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty driving at night
- Feeling of tired eyes
In children:
- Difficulty seeing the board
- Constant squinting
- Sitting close to the TV
- Constantly rubbing eyes
- Complaining of headaches
- Decreased school performance
Causes
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal or the cornea is too steeply curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina.
Risk Factors
- Family history (strongest)
- Environmental factors:
- Excessive close-up work
- Little time spent outdoors
- Excessive screen use
- Inadequate lighting
- Age: Onset between ages 6-14 most common
Complications (In High Myopia)
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Early cataract
- Macular degeneration
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Vision loss
When to See a Doctor
- Complaint of blurred vision
- Above symptoms in your child
- Regular check-up if there is family history
- Rapid increase in current prescription
- Vision loss, flashes, or floaters (emergency)
Childhood eye examinations:
- In the newborn
- Between 6-12 months
- Age 3
- Pre-school (5-6 years)
- Then every 1-2 years
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis:
- Visual acuity test
- Refraction test (autorefractometer)
- Examination after pupil dilation
- Fundus examination
Treatment:
1. Eyeglasses:
- Concave (minus) lenses
- Simplest and most common solution
2. Contact lenses:
- Soft or rigid
- Daily, monthly options
3. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K):
- Rigid contact lenses worn at night
- Glasses-free vision during the day
- Slows myopia progression in children
4. Refractive surgery (in adults):
- LASIK (most common)
- PRK
- SMILE
- After age 18 and when prescription is stable
5. Intraocular lens implantation:
- In very high myopia
- For those who cannot be corrected by laser
Prevention and Slowing (Especially in Children)
Spend time outdoors:
- At least 2 hours of outdoor activity per day
- Natural sunlight slows myopia development
Screen and close-up work control:
- 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look 6 meters away for 20 seconds
- Frequent breaks
- Appropriate distance (book 30-40 cm, screen further)
- Adequate lighting
Other:
- Regular eye examinations
- Low-dose atropine drops in children (slow myopia progression — doctor's advice)
- Balanced diet
- Adequate sleep
- Do not rub eyes
- Early follow-up if family history