Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition in which distant objects appear blurry while close objects appear clear. It is caused by an abnormally shaped eyeball or by the cornea having too much curvature. Myopia is one of the most common vision problems, affecting an estimated 25% of the population in the United States.
What Are the Signs of Myopia?
If you think you may be suffering from myopia, it is important to get your eyes checked by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. However, there are some signs of myopia that you can look for on your own.
1. Blurry Vision
One of the most common signs of myopia is blurred vision at a distance. People with myopia may also have difficulty seeing clearly when driving, watching TV, or looking at distant objects.
2. Squinting
Another sign of myopia is frequent squinting. It may be due to myopia if you find yourself squinting more often than usual.
3. Headaches
Headaches can be a symptom of myopia, especially if they are frequent and occur when you focus on distant objects. It may be a sign of myopia if you experience frequent headaches that are not relieved by rest or medication.
4. Eye Fatigue
Myopia can cause tired and strained eyes. It may be a sign of myopia if you experience eye fatigue after long periods of focusing on distant objects.
5. Sensitivity to Light
Myopia can cause increased sensitivity to light. It may be a sign of myopia if you find yourself squinting or experiencing discomfort when exposed to bright light.
How Is Myopia Diagnosed?
During an eye exam for myopia, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will first check your overall vision health and determine your eye prescription. To diagnose myopia, your eye doctor will use several tools and tests, including a refraction test, a retinoscopy, and a slit-lamp examination.
Refraction Test
This is the most common test used to diagnose myopia. It involves looking through a refractor, a device that allows your eye doctor to measure how well your eyes are focusing light. During this test, your eye doctor will ask you to look through different lenses and determine which lens produces the clearest vision.
Retinoscopy
This test is used to measure your eye’s refractive error. It involves shining a light into your eyes while you look at a target. The light will help your eye doctor determine the amount of refractive error in your eyes.
Slit-Lamp Examination
This test is used to check the health of your eyes. It involves looking through a slit-lamp, which is a microscope-like device that helps your eye doctor examine the structures in your eyes. Your eye doctor may also use a dye to help them better see the structures in your eyes.
What Is High vs Low Myopia?
High myopia is a more severe form of myopia. People with high myopia typically have a greater degree of nearsightedness and may have difficulty seeing objects both near and far. High myopia is usually present at birth or can develop over time.
Low myopia is a milder form of myopia. People with low myopia usually have a lower degree of nearsightedness and can usually see distant objects clearly, but may have difficulty seeing close objects. Low myopia usually develops during childhood or adolescence and can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Can Myopia Lead to Blindness?
One of the most common questions asked by people with myopia is whether it can lead to blindness. The answer is not a simple yes or no. While myopia does not directly cause blindness, it can contribute to a number of other conditions that can lead to vision loss.
High myopia is a severe form of nearsightedness that requires a corrective lens prescription of -6.00 diopters or more. If left untreated, high myopia can lead to a number of vision-threatening conditions. These include cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration and myopic maculopathy. These conditions can lead to partial or complete blindness.
Conclusion
Myopia is when the eye cannot focus clearly on distant objects. It is caused by an error in the eye’s refractive power. Myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery.
If you are looking for a laser eye clinic in Abbotsford, you can visit us at Valley Laser Eye Centre. Book an appointment and get tested to ensure you keep your vision at its best. Contact us at Valley Laser Eye Centre to learn more about what we can do for you.
