Nearsightedness (Myopia): The comprehensive guide to causes, symptoms, and treatment

Nearsightedness, medically known as myopia is one of the most common vision disorders worldwide. Those affected struggle to see distant objects clearly, whereas close objects appear sharply. Over the past decades, the number of nearsighted people has dramatically increased, especially in industrialized countries and urban areas.

What exactly is nearsightedness?

With nearsightedness, the eye is either too long or the corneal and lens refractive power is too strong. As a result, light rays are focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The outcome: distant objects appear blurry and indistinct, while close objects can be seen clearly.

The degree of nearsightedness is measured in diopters, with negative values indicating the refractive error. Mild myopia ranges from -0.25 to -3.0 diopters, moderate ranges from -3.0 to -6.0 diopters, and high myopia is above -6.0 diopters.

Causes of nearsightedness: Why does myopia occur?

Genetic factors

Hereditary factors play a crucial role in the development of myopia. If both parents are myopic, there is about a 60 percent chance that the child will also develop myopia. With one myopic parent, the risk is reduced to about 25 percent.

Environmental factors and lifestyle

Modern lifestyles significantly promote the development of myopia:

Close work and screen time.

Lack of daylight.

UrbanizationIn cities, the rate of myopia is significantly higher than in rural areas, which is associated with reduced viewing distances and less time spent outdoors.

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Developmental factors

Most people develop myopia during school years when the eye is still growing. Increased near work while learning and reduced outdoor activities reinforce this trend.

Recognizing symptoms: How do I notice myopia?

The signs of beginning or progressing myopia are usually clearly noticeable:

Main symptoms:

• Blurred distance vision (road signs, board contents, faces)
• Frequent squinting when looking at a distance
• Headaches after prolonged eye strain
• Tired, burning eyes especially in the evening
• Difficulty driving, especially at night

In children additionally:

• Moving closer to the TV or blackboard
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Decreasing school performance without any apparent other causes
• Avoiding ball games or other activities that require good distance vision

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Diagnosis: How is myopia diagnosed?

Eye examination at the optician or ophthalmologist

The diagnosis is made through a comprehensive eye examination. Various tests are conducted:

Vision testUsing eye charts, visual acuity is measured at different distances. The well-known Snellen test with letters or numbers is one of the standard procedures.

Refraction measurement: This objective measurement determines the exact refractive power of the eye and thus the required correction in diopters.

Ophthalmoscopy: The ophthalmologist examines the fundus to detect structural changes that can occur with high myopia.

When should you have an examination?

Regular eye check-ups are important, especially if symptoms occur or there is a family history. Children should be examined at least before starting school and then every two years.

At Premium Medical Circle you will find the best ophthalmologist near you.

Treatment options: How can myopia be corrected?

Glasses – the classic solution

Glasses remain the most proven method to correct myopia. Modern lenses today offer the highest comfort:

Advantages: Easy handling, no risk of infection, various lens types available (anti-reflective, tinted, with blue light filter)

Disadvantages: Can be perceived as annoying, fogs up with temperature fluctuations, limitations in sports

Contact lenses – more freedom of movement

Contact lenses provide an alternative to glasses and are especially popular with active people:

• Soft contact lenses: Comfortable to wear, ideal for occasional use
• RGP Contact Lenses: Better oxygen supply, more durable, often the better choice for high myopia.

Important: Hygiene is essential with contact lenses to avoid eye infections.

Laser surgery - permanent correction

Various laser procedures can permanently correct myopia:

• LASIK: The most common procedure where a thin corneal flap is lifted and the underlying tissue is lasered.
• PRK/LASEK: Alternative procedures where the top layer of the cornea is removed.
• SMILENewer, minimally invasive procedure with only a small incision.

Requirements: Stable vision values for at least two years, sufficient corneal thickness, no eye diseases.

Orthokeratology (night lenses)

Special rigid gas permeable contact lenses are worn overnight and temporarily reshape the cornea. During the day, sharp vision is possible without visual aids.

Myopia in children: prevention and early treatment

Preventive measures

Parents can reduce the risk of myopia in their children:

• More time outdoorsSpend at least two hours daily in natural daylight
• Breaks during close-up workEvery 20 minutes, look at something 20 meters away for 20 seconds (20-20-20 rule)
• Sufficient reading distanceMaintain at least 30-40 cm distance from books and screens
• Limited screen timeEspecially limit the use of digital devices for younger children

Special treatment approaches for children

• Atropine dropsLow-dose atropine eye drops can slow the progression of myopia.
• Special contact lenses: Multifocal contact lenses or orthokeratology lenses can slow down myopia growth in children.
• Bifocal or progressive glassesIn some cases, these can slow the progression of myopia.

Living with Myopia: Practical Tips for Everyday Life

Optimize Workplace

Screen Work: Position monitor at a distance of 50-70 cm, blink regularly, ensure good lighting. Break Design: Consciously look into the distance, let eyes relax. Ergonomics: Correct sitting posture and screen height reduce eye strain

Sports and Leisure

Sports Glasses: Special sports glasses or contact lenses enable unrestricted activity. Swimming: Use prescription swimming goggles or waterproof contact lenses. Outdoor Activities: Prescription sunglasses protect against UV radiation

Complications with severe myopia

In high myopia (over -6 diopters), serious eye problems can occur:

Retinal detachment: Due to the elongation of the eyeball, the retina stretches and can tear or detach.

Glaucoma: The risk for glaucoma The risk is increased in severe myopia.

Macular degeneration: The central retina may degenerate earlier in high myopia.

Cataract: Cataract occurs more frequently and earlier in people with severe nearsightedness.

Regular ophthalmologic examinations are therefore particularly important for severe nearsightedness.

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Future outlook: New developments in myopia research

Science is continuously working on new approaches to treat and prevent nearsightedness:

Gene therapy: Researchers are investigating how genetic factors of myopia can be influenced.

New medications: In addition to atropine, other substances are being researched to slow the progression of myopia.

Improved laser procedures: More precise and gentle surgical methods are being developed.

Smart contact lenses: Contact lenses with integrated sensors could monitor intraocular pressure and release therapeutic agents in the future.

Conclusion: Successfully managing myopia

Myopia is a manageable vision disorder that, with timely detection and appropriate correction, hardly limits quality of life. Regular eye exams, the right choice of vision aid, and preventive measures, especially for children, are crucial.

Modern ophthalmology offers a variety of treatment options - from traditional glasses to laser surgery. With severe myopia, regular check-ups are important to detect complications early.

With the right measures and a good ophthalmological care people with myopia can lead a full and active life. Investing in eye health pays off in the long run and maintains quality of life into old age.