Myopia is an eye disorder usually referred to as near-sightedness (or short-sightedness). Usually inherited myopia is generally found in childhood, often progressing during the teen years due to rapid growth. It is caused by the eyes inability to bend light correctly (refractive error) resulting in blurred vision, and difficulty seeing distant objects.
Refractive errors are usually the results of a misshaped cornea or lens and the length of the eye. If only distant objects appear blurred, the person is nearsighted or myopic. The eye normally creates a clear image because the cornea and lens bend (refract) light rays to focus them on the retina. Although the cornea is fixed, the lens changes shape to focus on objects at various distances. Thickening of the lens allows near objects to be focused. Refractive errors occur when the cornea and lens cannot focus the image of an object sharply on the retina.
The lens and cornea may not bend light correctly for several different reasons. The eyeball can be too large for the focusing system. This causes light to be focused in front of the retina causing the person to have trouble clearly seeing distant objects (myopia).
A person with a refractive error may notice that vision is blurred. Everyone should have regular eye exams. A Snellen eye chart is used to determine visual acuity. The usual treatment for refractive errors is to wear corrective lenses in the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses. Laser Surgery is also an option.
Eyeglasses are small pieces of plastic or glass mounted in a frame and worn on the face. Lenses for glasses come in both plastic and glass. Plastic lenses being stronger but scratch easily, while glass lenses are prone to breakage. Both lenses can be tinted or treated to resist potentially damaging ultraviolet light. Plastic lenses can be treated to help make them scratch resistant.
Many people choose contact lenses for vanity reasons. Contact lenses require more care that eyeglasses and come in a variety of types (rigid, gas-permeable, soft hydrophilic etc). Contact lenses are placed directly in the eye over the cornea, this requires more maintenance.
Surgical and laser procedures can be used to correct myopia. Lasik, the most common, is used to correct myopia. This procedure is relatively quick and uses a laser to reshape the cornea. Vision improvement is rapid with Lasik. Photorefractive Keratectomy and Radial Keratotomy are also common surgical procedures used to treat myopia.
The inability of the eye to focus on distant objects is myopia. There is a wide variety of treatments available to correct myopia such as eyeglasses, contact lenses, and surgery. You should have regular eye exams and consult your optometrist to determine what treatment is right for you.
Disclaimer: The author is not a medical doctor, optician, ophthalmologist or any other medical professional, this article has been compiled using a variety of internet reference sources and while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy this cannot be guaranteed. No preference for product or brand is inferred or intended and the contents of this article are not to be used in whole or in part to inform a decision regarding any aspect of contact lens use.
