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Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Can see close objects clearly but distant objects appear blurry
Eyes & Visual System
Myopia (Nearsightedness)
What it is: Can see close objects clearly but distant objects appear blurry. It's like having a camera that focuses well on nearby objects but struggles with faraway objects.
Why it happens
- Eye shape: Eyeball is too long or cornea is too curved
- Genetics: Often runs in families
- Eye strain: Too much close work like reading or computer use
- Lack of outdoor time: Not enough natural light exposure
- Rapid growth: During childhood and teenage years
- Environmental factors: Urban living and education levels
What you feel
- Blurry distant vision: Difficulty seeing far objects clearly
- Squinting: Trying to see distant objects better
- Headaches: From eye strain
- Eye fatigue: Tired eyes after prolonged near work
- Difficulty seeing: Road signs, blackboards, or TV screens
- Need to sit closer: To see things clearly
How to help yourself
- Wear corrective lenses: Glasses or contact lenses as prescribed
- Take breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Spend time outdoors: Natural light helps eye development
- Use proper lighting: Ensure good lighting for reading and work
- Regular eye exams: Get your eyes checked regularly
- Limit screen time: Especially for children
- Practice good posture: When reading or using devices
The 20-20-20 rule
- Every 20 minutes: Take a break from close work
- Look at something 20 feet away: Focus on distant objects
- For 20 seconds: Give your eyes time to relax
- Blink frequently: Keep your eyes moist
- Adjust lighting: Avoid glare and harsh lighting
Prevention tips
- Spend time outdoors: At least 2 hours per day for children
- Limit close work: Take regular breaks from reading and screens
- Use proper lighting: Avoid reading in dim light
- Maintain distance: Keep reading material at arm's length
- Regular checkups: Get eye exams as recommended
- Healthy diet: Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E
Treatment options
- Glasses: Most common and effective treatment
- Contact lenses: For those who prefer not to wear glasses
- Laser surgery: LASIK or other procedures for adults
- Orthokeratology: Special contact lenses worn at night
- Atropine drops: Low-dose eye drops to slow progression
When to see an eye doctor
- Blurry vision: That doesn't improve with rest
- Frequent headaches: From eye strain
- Difficulty seeing: Road signs or distant objects
- Squinting: To see things clearly
- Eye fatigue: After short periods of reading
- Changes in vision: Any sudden changes
Signs in children
- Sitting too close: To TV or computer screens
- Squinting: When looking at distant objects
- Rubbing eyes: Frequently
- Complaining: About not being able to see
- Poor performance: In school or sports
- Headaches: After reading or close work
Lifestyle changes
- Reduce screen time: Especially for children
- Increase outdoor time: Natural light exposure
- Improve lighting: At home and work
- Take regular breaks: From close work
- Practice good posture: When reading or using devices
- Maintain healthy diet: Rich in eye-healthy nutrients
Common misconceptions
- Wearing glasses makes eyes weaker: Not true, glasses help your eyes work properly
- Only children get nearsightedness: Can develop at any age
- Reading in dim light causes it: Not a direct cause but can contribute to eye strain
- Sitting too close to TV causes it: Not a direct cause but can indicate existing vision problems
Complications
- Eye strain: From uncorrected vision
- Headaches: From squinting and eye strain
- Safety issues: Difficulty seeing while driving
- Learning problems: In children with uncorrected vision
- Social issues: Difficulty participating in activities
Remember: Myopia is very common and easily treatable with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Regular eye exams are important to detect and treat vision problems early.