Myopia

Myopia (Near-sightedness)

Representation of a myopic eye Diagram illustrating the concept of near-sightedness
Also known as	Near-sightedness, Short-sightedness
Condition	Refractive error of the eye
Cause	Shape of lens, length of eye
Treatment	Glasses, Contact lenses, Surgery

Overview

Myopia, popularly referred to as near-sightedness or short-sightedness, is a prevalent refractive error in the eye. This condition interferes with the eye's focusing ability, particularly on distant objects.

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Forms of eye - normal, short and far-sighted

Causes

Myopia occurs due to either:

• A too curved lens inside the eye.
• An elongated eye structure.

Because of these variations, light entering the eye doesn't focus directly on the retina. Instead, it focuses in front of the retina, leading to a blurred vision for distant objects.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Individuals suffering from myopia often exhibit:

• Blurry vision when looking at distant objects.
• The tendency to squint when viewing television or during attempts to discern far-off objects.
• In some instances, sudden onset of myopia can signal the initial symptom of Type II Diabetes.

Treatment

There are multiple methods to rectify myopia:

• Optical aids: Includes wearing glasses with lenses designed to correct the refractive error.
• Contact lenses: Thin lenses placed directly on the eye's surface to provide clear vision.
• Surgery: Procedures like LASIK can reshape the cornea to correct myopia.

Summary

With the right intervention, be it optical aids or surgical procedures, myopia can be effectively managed. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent potential complications and enhance the quality of vision.

Myopia Resources
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