What is Myopia?
Myopia is a focusing error in the eye. Objects at a distance will appear blurred, and near objects will be in focus. People who are myopic will tend to squint their eyes to try to see more clearly at a distance when they are not wearing any corrective lenses. The term myopia comes from the Greek word myopos. In Greek, the word myein means to close, and the word opos means the eye.
What Causes Myopia?
In myopia, the eyeball is generally larger or longer than normal and/or the cornea is too steep. This causes the light to focus in front of the retina, thus blurring vision at distance. It is not until objects are viewed up close that the image is focused on the retina. Myopia usually develops in childhood and progresses as the child grows, with the eye becoming longer or larger. This may require frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions until they reach their twenties. Myopia tends to run in families, as there is a genetic component to its development.
Classification of Myopia
Low myopia
This is a refractive error of -3.00 diopters or less.
Moderate Myopia
This is a refractive error of between -3.00 and -6.00 diopters.
High Myopia
This is a refractive error of -6.00 diopters or more. People with high myopia are at risk of other eye diseases such as retinal detachment, myopic degeneration of the retina, open-angle glaucoma, and other diseases.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Myopia
The diagnosis is made by having an eye exam. If a child appears to be squinting to see at a distance, then the child needs to see an eye doctor. If the child is having trouble seeing the blackboard, is sitting too close to the TV, or is holding books very close, it is wise to take the child to an eye doctor. Children usually have their vision tested at school now, and their pediatrician will also check it.
Treatment of myopia includes wearing glasses or contact lenses. Once a person reaches age 21 and is no longer progressing, LASIK can be performed to correct vision.
