What Causes Nearsightedness?
October 5, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen more clearly. This condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) has too much curvature. As a result, light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina, rather than directly on it.
The exact cause of nearsightedness is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some factors that are thought to contribute to the development of myopia include:
- Genetics: Nearsightedness tends to run in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. If your parents are nearsighted, you are at a higher risk of developing myopia.
- Visual Stress: Prolonged and close-up activities, such as reading, using electronic devices, or doing excessive amounts of near work, especially during childhood and adolescence, may increase the risk of myopia.
- Environmental Factors: There is some evidence to suggest that spending more time outdoors and exposed to natural light may reduce the risk of myopia. Conversely, spending excessive time indoors, particularly in dimly lit environments, may increase the risk.
- Changes in Eye Structure: As the eye grows and develops, changes in the length and shape of the eyeball can contribute to myopia. These changes typically occur during childhood and adolescence when the eye is still developing.
- Refractive Errors: People with other refractive errors, such as astigmatism or hyperopia (farsightedness), may also be more prone to developing myopia.
Nearsightedness is typically diagnosed through an eye examination conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. It can often be corrected with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses that help to redirect incoming light onto the retina, allowing for clearer distance vision. In some cases, refractive surgery, like LASIK, may be considered as a more permanent solution to correct myopia. It’s important for individuals with myopia to have regular eye exams to monitor their vision and adjust their corrective lenses as needed.