What is Myopia?
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye where light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This causes distant objects to appear blurry, while objects up close remain clear and in focus.
Causes of Myopia
Myopia typically occurs because the eyeball is either too long from front to back, or the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) is too steeply curved. Both conditions cause light rays to converge and focus prematurely within the eye, before reaching the retina.
Common Symptoms and Diagnosis
Key symptoms of myopia include blurry vision when looking at distant objects, squinting to see clearly, eye strain, and headaches. It is usually diagnosed during a routine eye examination, where an optometrist or ophthalmologist can measure the eye's refractive error.
Correction and Management
Myopia can be effectively corrected using eyeglasses or contact lenses, which employ diverging (concave) lenses to push the focal point of light back onto the retina. Refractive surgeries, such as LASIK, are also common options to permanently reshape the cornea and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyewear.