Myopia

What is myopia?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common vision disorder that makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly, while nearby objects are clearly visible. It occurs when the eye is longer than normal or due to excessive curvature of the cornea, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

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Causes of myopia

Genetic factors

Your risk of developing myopia increases if you have a family history of the condition.

Environmental Factors

Spending long periods of time working close to your eyes, such as reading or using screens, and not spending enough time outdoors increases the risk of myopia.

Controlling Myopia

While corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses, can correct refractive errors, they do not slow the progression of myopia. Strategies for controlling myopia aim to slow its progression and include:

  • Specialized prescription lenses: Certain designs have been developed to slow the progression of myopia in children.
  • Contact lenses: Options include orthokeratological contact lenses (Ortho-K), which are worn during sleep to reshape the cornea, and soft lenses specifically designed to control the progression of myopia.
  • Atropine drops: Low doses of atropine have been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children.

Learn about products that help control myopia in children.

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What are the potential risks of myopia?

As myopia increases, the risk of developing certain eye diseases increases. These diseases can appear at an early age and become more severe with age. The most important of these diseases are:

Retinal problems: The retina may become more susceptible to tearing or detachment as the eyeball becomes longer.

Myopic macular degeneration: A disorder that affects the center of vision, leading to a decline in central vision.

Intraocular pressure (glaucoma): which can cause gradual damage to the optic nerve, affecting visual acuity.

 

Cataract: The likelihood of developing cataracts increases in individuals with high myopia.

The greater the severity of myopia, the greater the potential risks to eye health; therefore, early detection and taking appropriate measures can help reduce these issues in the long term.

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Visual complications associated with high myopia

Retinal Detachment

The retina is the light-sensitive tissue that covers the inner back of the eye. It converts light into nerve signals that the brain interprets as visual images. Retinal detachment occurs when this layer separates from its normal position within the eye, potentially leading to blurred vision or even permanent vision loss, depending on the severity of the detachment and the speed of treatment.

Macular Degeneration Associated with Myopia

The macula (central part) is responsible for image clarity and distinguishing fine details within the retina. In people with severe myopia due to the elongation of the eye, this area can stretch and become more susceptible to tearing over time, leading to a gradual loss of central vision, as if there were a permanent cloudy or blurry spot in the center of the visual field.

Glaucoma (High Eye Pressure)

Glaucoma occurs when fluid buildup inside the eye increases pressure on the optic nerve, causing gradual damage to its fibers. Glaucoma often affects both eyes and begins with a subtle decline in peripheral vision. It can persist for years without the patient noticing the problem. If left untreated, the condition can progress to an advanced stage, leading to complete vision loss.

Cataracts

Cataracts result from the breakdown of proteins and fibers within the eye’s lens, making it thicker and less transparent over time. This causes blurred vision, resulting in a cloudy spot in the center of the eye, similar to cloudy glass or fog on a car windshield. Although cataracts are common among older adults, they can be present from birth or during childhood. People with high myopia (nearsightedness) may also be more likely to develop them at an early age or during middle age.

Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors is linked to a reduced risk of myopia.
Reducing screen time and ensuring regular eye exams are important preventive strategies.

Why is myopia a concern?

Myopia tends to develop rapidly during childhood, especially because children’s eyes are still developing. The younger a child is when myopia begins, the more rapidly the condition progresses, leading to worsening vision problems over time.

In recent years, the onset of myopia has begun to occur at a younger age, meaning that the eyes continue to grow for a longer period than usual. This causes two major problems for children with myopia:

  1. A steady decline in visual acuity during childhood.
  2. An increased risk of developing serious vision problems in the future.

Myopia Risk Assessment