Written by Short-sightedness, also known as myopia, is a common eye condition that causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it.
Short-sightedness usually develops in childhood and adolescence, and it can worsen over time. It is often genetic, but it can also be caused by environmental factors such as spending too much time on close-up activities such as reading or using electronic devices.
Symptoms of short-sightedness include:
- Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, such as road signs or the whiteboard at school
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Headaches and eye strain
- Holding books and other objects close to the face to read or see them better
Short-sightedness can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. Glasses and contact lenses bend light rays to focus them on the retina, while refractive surgery changes the shape of the cornea or lens to allow light to focus correctly on the retina.
If you think you or your child may be short-sighted, it is important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent long-term complications, such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.
Here are some tips for living with short-sightedness:
- Get regular eye exams to monitor your vision and make sure your prescription is correct.
- Wear glasses or contact lenses as prescribed by your eye doctor.
- Take breaks from close-up activities to give your eyes a rest.
- Use good lighting when reading or doing other close-up tasks.
- Avoid squinting, as this can strain your eyes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain good overall health.
Short-sightedness is a common and manageable eye condition. With proper care, most people with short-sightedness can live full and active lives.