Pseudomyopia

Pseudomyopia is a condition characterized by a temporary increase in the short-sightedness or near-sightedness of the eye. Unlike true myopia, which is caused by anatomical changes in the eye such as elongation of the eyeball or changes in the curvature of the cornea or lens, pseudomyopia is primarily attributed to excessive use of the eyes for close work, leading to a spasm of the ciliary muscle. This muscle controls the shape of the lens to focus on near and distant objects. In pseudomyopia, the ciliary muscle fails to relax properly, causing the eye to be stuck in a state of accommodation or focus for near vision, thus blurring distant objects.

Causes

The main cause of pseudomyopia is the prolonged, intensive use of the eyes for reading, computer work, or other close activities that demand constant accommodation (focusing on near objects). This can lead to a condition known as accommodative spasm or ciliary muscle spasm. Other factors contributing to pseudomyopia may include poor lighting conditions, excessive screen time without adequate breaks, and the lack of outdoor activities.

Symptoms

Symptoms of pseudomyopia include temporary blurring of distant vision after prolonged near work, eye strain, headaches, and sometimes difficulty in shifting focus from near to far objects. These symptoms can often be relieved by resting the eyes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pseudomyopia involves a comprehensive eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Tests may include a refraction test to determine the correct lens power needed to compensate for any refractive error and an examination of the eye's ability to focus on near and distant objects. Distinguishing pseudomyopia from true myopia is crucial for appropriate management.

Treatment

Treatment for pseudomyopia focuses on relieving the accommodative spasm of the ciliary muscle. This may involve prescribing corrective glasses with or without bifocal or progressive lenses to reduce the strain on the eyes during close work. Eye exercises or vision therapy may also be recommended to improve the eye's focusing ability. In some cases, the use of cycloplegic drugs to temporarily paralyze the ciliary muscle and relieve the spasm can be effective.

Prevention

Preventive measures for pseudomyopia include taking regular breaks during close work to rest the eyes, practicing good lighting conditions, and increasing the time spent on outdoor activities to reduce the demand on near vision. The 20-20-20 rule, which suggests taking a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes, can also help in preventing eye strain and accommodative spasm.