Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition in which objects up close appear clear while distant objects appear blurry. If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with myopia, this article is designed to give you a beginner’s understanding of the condition.
What is Myopia?
So, what is myopia? In simple terms, myopia happens when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea (the front part of the eye) is too curved. Because of this, when light enters the eye, it doesn’t focus correctly on the back of the eye, called the retina. Instead of focusing on the retina, it falls in front of it, making faraway things look fuzzy.
Types of Myopia
There are primarily two types of myopia, and these are:
Simple Myopia
Simple myopia is a common vision problem that can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. It often develops during childhood or adolescence and may stabilize as a person reaches adulthood.
High Myopia
High myopia is a more severe form of nearsightedness where the eyeball is excessively elongated or the cornea is extremely curved. This condition can lead to a higher degree of visual impairment, and individuals with high myopia may experience significant blurriness even when looking at objects up close.
Corrective lenses or surgery may be recommended to manage the visual impairment associated with high myopia.
Diagnosis and Eye Exams
Diagnosing myopia involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an eye care professional. Here’s an explanation of the diagnostic process and the key components of eye exams:
Snellen Chart
The Snellen chart is a tool used during eye exams to measure visual acuity. It consists of letters or symbols of different sizes arranged in rows. During the exam, the person covers one eye and reads the letters aloud.
The eye care professional notes the smallest line or row of letters that can be read accurately. This provides an initial assessment of visual acuity and helps identify any vision issues, including myopia.
Visual Acuity Measurements
Visual acuity measurements involve assessing the clarity and sharpness of a person’s vision. This is typically done using the Snellen chart, and the results are expressed as a fraction, such as 20/20.
The first number represents the testing distance (usually 20 feet), and the second indicates the distance a person with normal vision can read the same line. A measurement of 20/20 is considered normal, while 20/40 means the person can see at 20 feet what a person with normal vision can see at 40 feet.
Prescription for Corrective Lenses
Based on the degree of myopia determined during the eye exam, the eye care professional prescribes corrective lenses. For myopia, this prescription is expressed as a negative diopter value. Eyeglasses or contact lenses with the appropriate prescription are recommended to correct the refractive error and improve distance vision.
Seek Professional Eye Care for Your Loved Ones Now
Remember, your eyes are invaluable, and professional eye care is an investment in your overall well-being. So, prioritize eye health and schedule an eye exam for your loved ones today. Seeking professional eye care is a proactive and caring step toward maintaining optimal vision and eye health.
