How does myopia affect vision. What are the common symptoms of nearsightedness. Can myopia be prevented or cured. What treatment options are available for nearsighted individuals. How is myopia diagnosed and managed.

Understanding Myopia: The Basics of Nearsightedness

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a prevalent vision condition affecting a significant portion of the population. It occurs when individuals can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This refractive error impacts millions of people worldwide, with an estimated 40 percent of the United States population affected.

Why does myopia occur? The primary cause is an anatomical issue within the eye. In most cases, the eyeball is too long, preventing light from focusing directly on the retina. Alternatively, an improperly shaped cornea can also lead to myopia. These factors cause light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurred vision for distant objects.

The Prevalence of Myopia

Is myopia becoming more common? Research suggests that the prevalence of myopia is indeed increasing, particularly among younger generations. This trend has led to concerns about a potential “myopia epidemic” in some parts of the world. Factors contributing to this increase may include:

• Increased screen time and close-up work
• Reduced time spent outdoors
• Genetic predisposition
• Environmental factors

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Nearsightedness

How can you tell if you or someone you know is nearsighted? Myopia typically develops gradually, often beginning between the ages of 6 and 14. The condition may continue to worsen until the early twenties, at which point it generally stabilizes. However, recognizing the symptoms early can lead to prompt diagnosis and management.

Key symptoms of myopia include:

• Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
• Squinting to improve vision
• Frequent headaches
• Eye strain, especially after focusing on distant objects
• Holding books or devices close to the face when reading
• Difficulty seeing the board in school or presentations at work

Do these symptoms always indicate myopia? While these signs are common in nearsighted individuals, it’s important to note that they can also be associated with other vision problems. Therefore, a comprehensive eye examination is crucial for an accurate diagnosis.

The Root Causes of Myopia: Unraveling the Mystery

What causes some people to develop myopia while others maintain perfect vision? The exact mechanisms behind myopia development are still not fully understood, but research has identified several contributing factors:

Genetic Factors

Is myopia hereditary? There is strong evidence to suggest a genetic component to myopia. Children with one or both nearsighted parents have a higher likelihood of developing the condition compared to those whose parents have normal vision. However, genetics alone doesn’t fully explain the increasing prevalence of myopia worldwide.

Environmental Influences

Can lifestyle choices impact myopia development? Recent studies have highlighted the potential role of environmental factors in myopia progression, particularly in children. These include:

• Prolonged near work: Excessive time spent on close-up activities like reading, writing, or using digital devices may contribute to myopia development.
• Limited outdoor time: Research suggests that children who spend more time outdoors have a lower risk of developing myopia.
• Urbanization: Higher rates of myopia have been observed in urban areas compared to rural regions, possibly due to differences in lifestyle and environmental exposures.

Visual Stress in Adulthood

Can adults develop myopia? While myopia typically emerges in childhood, it can also develop in adulthood. Factors such as prolonged visual stress from close-up work, including extensive computer use or reading, may contribute to adult-onset myopia.

Diagnosing Nearsightedness: The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

How is myopia diagnosed? A comprehensive eye examination conducted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist is the most reliable method for diagnosing myopia. These exams typically include:

1. Visual acuity tests: Measuring how well you can see at various distances
2. Refraction assessment: Determining the precise lens power needed to correct your vision
3. Eye health evaluation: Examining the overall health of your eyes

When should you get your eyes checked? The Mayo Clinic recommends the following schedule for eye exams:

• Every 5 to 10 years between ages 20 and 40
• Every 2 to 4 years between ages 40 and 54
• Every 1 to 3 years between ages 55 and 64
• Every 1 to 2 years starting at age 65

However, individuals at high risk for eye diseases or those with diabetes should have more frequent exams, starting from age 40.

Treatment Options for Myopia: Correcting Vision and Slowing Progression

What are the available treatments for myopia? While there is no cure for myopia, several options exist to correct vision and, in some cases, slow its progression:

Corrective Lenses

How do corrective lenses help with myopia? Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most common and straightforward treatments for nearsightedness. These lenses work by refocusing light directly onto the retina, compensating for the eye’s refractive error and providing clear vision.

Refractive Surgery

Can surgery correct myopia? For adults with stable vision, refractive surgery offers a more permanent solution. Common procedures include:

• LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis): This procedure involves creating a thin flap in the cornea and using a laser to reshape the underlying tissue.
• LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy): Similar to LASIK but involves only the thin outer layer of the cornea.
• PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): This technique removes the epithelium before reshaping the cornea with a laser.

Orthokeratology

What is orthokeratology? This non-surgical approach involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. The effects typically last throughout the day, allowing for clear vision without daytime corrective lenses.

Myopia Control Strategies

Are there ways to slow myopia progression in children? Several interventions have shown promise in slowing myopia progression:

• Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine has been found to slow myopia progression in some children.
• Multifocal contact lenses: These lenses may help slow axial eye growth in myopic children.
• Increased outdoor time: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors may help reduce the risk of myopia onset and progression.

Living with Myopia: Managing Nearsightedness in Daily Life

How does myopia impact daily activities? While corrective lenses or surgery can significantly improve vision, living with myopia may still require some adaptations:

Regular Eye Check-ups

Why are ongoing eye exams important? Regular check-ups allow your eye care professional to monitor your vision and adjust your prescription as needed. They also provide an opportunity to detect any other eye health issues early.

Digital Eye Strain Management

How can you reduce eye strain from digital devices? Implement the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps relax the eyes and reduce strain associated with prolonged screen time.

Proper Lighting

Does lighting affect myopia? While lighting doesn’t directly impact myopia progression, proper illumination when reading or working can help reduce eye strain and improve visual comfort.

The Future of Myopia Management: Emerging Research and Treatments

What does the future hold for myopia treatment? Ongoing research is exploring new avenues for myopia management and prevention:

Gene Therapy

Could gene therapy offer a cure for myopia? Scientists are investigating the genetic factors contributing to myopia, which could potentially lead to gene-based treatments in the future.

Advanced Optical Designs

How might future corrective lenses differ? Researchers are developing innovative lens designs that not only correct vision but also aim to slow myopia progression, particularly in children.

Environmental Interventions

Can modifying our environment help prevent myopia? Studies are exploring how changes in lighting, urban design, and outdoor spaces might influence myopia development and progression.

As our understanding of myopia continues to evolve, new strategies for prevention and management are likely to emerge. For now, early detection, appropriate correction, and lifestyle modifications remain key in managing nearsightedness and maintaining good eye health.

What Is Myopia (Nearsightedness)? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common eyesight problems. People with this condition can’t focus their eyesight on far-away objects, which makes distant objects appear blurry, while close objects still appear sharp, according to the Mayo Clinic.

According to research, it’s estimated that nearsightedness affects 40 percent of all people in the United States.

Signs and Symptoms of Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness may develop gradually or quickly. Nearsightedness usually starts between ages 6 and 14 and gets worse until your early twenties, when it often levels off, according to the National Eye Institute.

Symptoms of nearsightedness may include:

• Distant objects appearing blurry
• Needing to squint in order to see clearly
• Headaches
• Eye strain

Causes and Risk Factors for Nearsightedness

Most commonly, nearsightedness is an anatomical issue, resulting from an eyeball that’s too long, which prevents light from focusing directly on the retina (the “screen” at the back of your eye). Nearsightedness can also be caused by a cornea (the clear layer at the front of the eye) that’s not shaped correctly.

These two problems prevent light from focusing directly on the retina. Instead, light focuses in front of the retina, which makes distant objects appear blurry.

Although researchers still don’t know exactly why some people develop nearsightedness while others don’t, it’s possible that the condition may be genetic. If one or both of your parents is nearsighted, your chances of having the problem are higher than those of someone whose parents aren’t nearsighted, notes the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Some research suggests that spending too much time indoors may be a cause of increasing myopia rates among children.

The condition may also emerge in adulthood, due to factors such as visual stress (which can be caused by close-up activities such as reading or computer work).

How Is Nearsightedness Diagnosed?

A complete eye exam by an optometrist can easily detect nearsightedness.

Often, school vision tests will be the first time a parent learns about a child’s nearsightedness.

Occasionally, parents or teachers will detect nearsightedness after seeing a child squint in order to see distant objects.

Adults may begin to realize they have the condition when they have trouble watching movies, can’t see distant objects clearly while driving, or participate in other activities that involve looking at faraway objects.

If you’re having trouble seeing things that are far away, it’s a good idea to get an eye exam.

According to Mayo Clinic, even if you have no symptoms of nearsightedness, nor a high risk of developing more serious eye diseases, it’s a good idea to get an eye exam:

• Every 5 to 10 years between ages 20 and 40
• Every two to four years between ages 40 and 54
• Every one to three years between ages 55 and 64
• Every one to two years starting at age 65

But if you’re at high risk for certain eye diseases such as glaucoma, or if you have diabetes, you should have an eye exam every one to two years starting at age 40.

Prognosis of Nearsightedness

There’s no cure for myopia, but wearing glasses or contact lenses can correct simple myopia.

Regular eye exams can lead to better outcomes by allowing ophthalmologists (eye doctors) to find and treat any complications that may develop. And certain lifestyle modifications can keep myopia from getting worse, including limiting screen time, taking screen breaks, spending time outdoors, and quitting smoking.

Duration of Nearsightedness

Myopia tends to emerge in school-age children, according to the AOA, and continues progressing as the eye grows, until around the age of 20.

For most people with myopia, the condition stabilizes by age 20, but in some cases, it continues advancing as people age.

Treatment and Medication Options for Nearsightedness

The simplest treatment for nearsightedness is wearing corrective lenses, either eyeglasses or contact lenses. Another treatment option is surgery. Three common surgeries include:

LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis) In this procedure, an ophthalmologist first cuts a round, hinged flap in your cornea.

Using an excimer laser (which, unlike other lasers, produces no heat), the doctor will remove layers from the center of your cornea to change its shape and improve your vision.

LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) In this procedure, the doctor works only on the cornea’s thin outer layer (epithelium).

After creating a flap, the doctor then uses an excimer laser to reshape the outer layer of the cornea.

PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) In this procedure, which is similar to LASEK, the epithelium is completely removed by the doctor.

After using the laser to reshape the cornea, the doctor does not replace the epithelium, which grows back and conforms to the new shape of the cornea.

Complications from these surgeries may include:

• Under- or overcorrection of your original vision problem
• Vision problems, such as halos or other effects around bright lights
• Dry eye
• Infection
• Corneal scarring
• Vision loss (in rare cases)

Medication Options

A study published in 2017 revealed that daily doses of low concentration atropine eye drops can effectively prevent the onset of nearsightedness, without causing significant side effects.

The researchers aren’t sure exactly how atropine affects myopia, but they hypothesize that the medication may stimulate the release of dopamine in the eye.

Clinical trials are currently looking at the effectiveness and safety of atropine drops for children. Research is ongoing but it appears that low-dose drops may help slow the progression of myopia in kids.

Nonmedical Therapies

Orthokeratology is a nonsurgical option for treating myopia. Also known as Ortho-k or corneal refractive therapy (CRT), it consists of wearing rigid contact lenses designed to gradually flatten the curvature of the cornea. As a result, the eye changes how it focuses light. The contacts are worn for brief periods of several hours — when you’re sleeping, for example. During the day, the contacts are removed, and vision may be temporarily clear.

People with myopia due to visual stress can also use vision therapy, reports the AOA. Through various eye exercises, a poor ability to focus can be improved, and clearer distance vision regained.

Prevention of Nearsightedness 

The AOA notes that children who are at high risk of progressive myopia (due to family history, early age of onset, and long periods of close-up work) may be able to slow the progression with bifocal glasses or contact lenses, orthokeratology, eye drops, or a combination of these.

Results of a clinical trial funded by the National Eye Institute and published in 2020 found that myopia progression was slower in children who wore multifocal contact lenses.

Clinicians in Taiwan have identified spending time outdoors as a preventive measure for myopia in children.

You can maintain your eye health by avoiding or limiting activities that lead to eye strain, such as time spent on digital devices.

Complications of Nearsightedness

Possible complications include:

• Retinal Detachment Compared with people with hyperopia (farsightedness), people who have myopia are considered to be at higher risk for experiencing a retinal detachment, and the risk is greater with increasing degree of myopia.
• Glaucoma Patients who are nearsighted are also more likely to have most types of glaucoma than those who are farsighted.
• Blindness The link between myopia and both retinal detachment and glaucoma also makes degenerative myopia a leading cause of blindness in the United States.
• Cataracts Having high myopia (see Related Conditions below), an increasingly prevalent condition, also ups someone’s risk of glaucoma and retinal detachment, as well as premature development of cataracts, according to the National Eye Institute.

Research and Statistics: Who Has Myopia?

A widening body of research indicates that myopia is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States and around the world, according to the National Eye Institute. In the coming decades, the upward trend is projected to continue.

According to the AOA, the number of children with myopia is increasing: One-quarter of parents have a nearsighted child, and about 75 percent of nearsighted children were diagnosed between ages 3 and 12.

BIPOC and Nearsightedness

Black Americans represent 7 percent of U.S. myopia cases, an increase of 1 percent between 2000 and 2010, according to the National Eye Institute.

Hispanic Americans represent 8 percent of U.S. myopia cases, a 3 percent increase between 2000 and 2010.

Of those on Medicare, Black and Hispanic Americans are less likely than white, non-Hispanic Americans to have had an eye exam recently, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2018, the latest year for which CDC data is available, both Black and Hispanic Americans were about 35 percent likely to have had an eye exam, compared with 44 percent of Asian Americans and 47 percent of the white, non-Hispanic population.

The progression of myopia appears to be a specific concern for people of East or Southeast Asian descent. A study published in 2020 looked at data from 11,000 children with myopia and found that of the following groups — white, Black, Hispanic, South Asian, East or Southeast Asian, Other Asian, and other or unknown — Asian American children were at significantly higher risk for progression of myopia than any other group.

Related Conditions of Nearsightedness

High Myopia This rare, inherited type of high-degree nearsightedness occurs when a child’s eyeballs grow longer than they should or the cornea is too steep. Depending on the severity, high myopia can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses, and in some cases, surgery. It may raise the risk for cataracts, detached retinas, and glaucoma later in life.

Degenerative Myopia This form of myopia is relatively rare but, as noted above, it’s a leading cause of legal blindness, as it damages the retina.

Resources We Love

Favorite Orgs for Essential Myopia Info

National Eye Institute (NEI)

The NEI gives readers detailed background information on myopia, from risk factors to prevention including a description of what exactly goes wrong in eye development to cause the condition. The site also presents current research around myopia, including its own National Institutes of Health–funded studies and clinical trials.

Mayo Clinic

A nonprofit with a broad reach into clinical practice, education, and research, the Mayo Clinic provides extensive, patient-friendly background on myopia. Treatments for nearsightedness are presented clearly and are regularly updated, so readers will find actionable guidance. Those who have upcoming ophthalmologist visits can also read advice on how to prepare and what questions to ask the doctor.

American Optometric Association (AOA)

The AOA represents more than 44,000 doctors of optometry in the United States and is an authority on eye care and optometry. The website covers the essentials of myopia, such as diagnosis and various treatments.

Additional reporting by Sarah Amandolare.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking

• Nearsightedness: Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. September 16, 2022.
• Vitale S, Sperduto RD, Ferris FL III. Increased Prevalence of Myopia in the United States Between 1971–1972 and 1999–2004. JAMA Ophthalmology. December 14, 2009.
• Nearsightedness (Myopia). National Eye Institute. September 8, 2020.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness). American Optometric Association.
• Dolgin E. The Myopia Boom. Nature. March 19, 2015.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness). Cleveland Clinic. July 14, 2020.
• Nearsightedness: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. September 16, 2022.
• LASIK Eye Surgery. Mayo Clinic. September 29, 2021.
• Tay SA, Farzavandi S, Tan D. Interventions to Reduce Myopia Progression in Children. Strabismus. February 6, 2017.
• Four Alternatives to Eyeglasses for Children With Myopia. American Academy of Ophthalmology. June 25, 2020.
• Multifocal Contact Lenses Slow Myopia Progression in Children. National Eye Institute. August 11, 2020.
• Wu PC, Tsai CL, Wu HL, et al. Outdoor Activity During Class Recess Reduces Myopia Onset and Progression in School Children. Ophthalmology. May 2013.
• Myopia: A Close Look at Efforts to Turn Back a Growing Problem. National Eye Institute. October 3, 2017.
• With Childhood Myopia Rates on the Rise, the American Optometric Association Highlights the Importance of Early Intervention Through Annual Eye Exams. American Optometric Association. March 1, 2019.
• Nearsightedness (Myopia) Tables. National Eye Institute. February 7, 2020.
• Vision and Eye Health Surveillance System (VEHSS). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. December 20, 2020.
• Luong T, Shu Y-H, Modjtahedi BS, et al. Racial and Ethnic Differences in Myopia Progression in a Large, Diverse Cohort of Pediatric Patients. Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. November 2020.

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“Do I Need Glasses?” 10 Ways to Know For Sure.

Ironically, one of the clearest signs that you might need glasses is the inability to read an actual sign. However, there are many other clues that can reveal if your eyesight needs correcting with glasses (or contact lenses). As I frequently tell my patients who aren’t thrilled to be needing glasses, roughly 60% of the world’s population requires vision correction and 80% of all visual impairment can be avoided or corrected.

Two main types of vision problems

William B. Dieck, MD, FAAO

Nearsighted: Difficulty seeing far away. People with myopia (nearsightedness) can see close objects clearly but objects farther away appear blurred. Myopia occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is too curved. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused correctly, and distant objects look blurred.

Farsighted: Difficulty seeing close up. People with hyperopia (farsightedness) can see distant objects very well but have difficulty focusing on objects up close. The eyes have to work harder in order to focus which can result in headaches, eye fatigue and long-term effects.

Many symptoms can signal you need glasses

The following 10 symptoms may reveal that it’s time to get glasses. Keep in mind, though, that the only way to accurately diagnose a vision problem is to see an eye care professional.

1. Trouble seeing up close or far away. If you can’t recognize an object, person or sign that’s 20 feet away, or if you are having trouble reading newspaper or magazine print, you may be developing farsightedness or nearsightedness. If you find it difficult to see objects both near and far, that may be astigmatism, a common condition involving a curvature of the eye lens or cornea.
2. Difficulty seeing at night. If your night vision is deteriorating to the point where you really can’t see things accurately at night, you may be experiencing signs of early cataracts, which should be examined as soon as possible.
3. Trouble adjusting from dark to light. If it takes your eyes a long time to adjust after seeing bright lights on the highway, it likely means the muscles that help your iris contract and expand are weakening, most likely due to age.
4. Difficulty seeing computer screen images clearly. This may signal farsightedness. Try this test: start each day looking at the same page and see if your vision worsens. Also, sitting too close to the screen may signal nearsightedness.
5.  Eye strain or fatigue. Do your eyes feel tired after 20 minutes of reading? Eye fatigue results from blurry vision or constantly squinting or blinking to bring items into focus. It can also occur from frequent driving, writing or reading/typing/interacting with a mobile phone. If possible, try taking regular breaks from this activities but if the eye fatigue persists, see your eye doctor.
6. Frequent headaches. Sometimes the mechanism fails that helps the cornea and lens focus on images, forcing the small muscles in the eye to work harder. The result is eye strain, which can lead to headaches. In other words, when you squint, it can cause headaches, and you may need glasses.
7.  Double vision. Seeing double may indicate problems with your cornea or eye muscles. It can also be a symptom of cataracts. If you’re experiencing double vision, see your eye care professional immediately.
8.  Wavy vision. Are objects starting to look like they are under water? When straight lines appear distorted, or colors look faded, it may be a sign of macular degeneration, the deterioration of the central portion of the retina and a leading cause of vision loss.
9. Seeing halos. Seeing halos around objects (usually more pronounced in the dark) may signal that you are developing cataracts or night vision problems.

10.  Eye pressure. If you feel pressure behind the eye, it may be a sign of glaucoma, which is highly treatable. Pressure buildup can damage the optic nerve that transmits images to your brain, but not everyone who experiences eye pressure has glaucoma. If this pertains to you, it’s important to get it checked.

The importance of regular eye exams

While the presence of one or more of these symptoms doesn’t mean a guaranteed vision problem, an eye exam is recommended as a precaution. It is essential to have a qualified eye doctor examine your eyes to understand what’s causing these changes. It’s the only true way to find out if you need glasses, and to improve your power of observation.

Do you think you might need glasses? Please come see us.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, including headaches or distorted vision, please call (914) 232-1919 to make an appointment with one of our Westchester Health eye specialists for a comprehensive eye exam. The sooner we can accurately diagnose your vision problem, the faster we can help you see more clearly. Whenever, wherever you need us, we’re here for you.

By William B. Dieck, MD, FAAO, Director, Ophthalmology Division, Vice President, Westchester Health, member of Westchester Health Physician Partners

Myopia – is it a minus or a plus? – Medical Center “Healer”

Ophthalmologists call myopia a visual defect in which a person does not clearly recognize distant objects. Another, most popular name for this ailment is myopia, that is, objects located nearby are clearly distinguishable. A patient suffering from myopia can work with nearby small objects, read and write texts, and embroider without any difficulties, but distant objects have problems.

People with myopia should remember that in order to correct the manifestations of the disease, they need special optics to improve vision with a minus sign, since myopia is characterized by a minus indicator. To do this, you need to contact a medical clinic to an ophthalmologist who will help you choose the right minus lenses for glasses. In patients suffering from farsightedness, everything is exactly the opposite – in the distance, visibility is good, and near there are difficulties with vision. With farsightedness, optical devices with a plus sign will help improve vision, and thus farsightedness is determined by a plus value.

How easy is it to check your eyesight?

Anyone can easily check their own eyesight. To do this, you need to look at objects that you previously saw very well from a distance of 5 meters. Blurring, fuzziness of the image, which was previously perceived without comment at such a distance, is a signal to contact an ophthalmologist and check your vision with a specialist.

Myopia can be congenital and acquired, which is classified according to the severity of the disease and is measured in diopters. Doctors distinguish 3 degrees of development of myopia, or minus vision:

1. Weak degree – up to 3 diopters.
2. Medium degree from 3 to 6.5 diopters.
3. High – over 6.5 diopters.

Symptoms and diagnosis of myopia in children

If your child does not see well in the distance what he previously saw very well, if he frowns, squints, complains of eye fatigue, if you begin to notice that he comes close to the TV or to the blackboard in school, then these are signs of the development of myopia.

When contacting the attending physician, an experienced ophthalmologist will first of all carry out such mandatory diagnostic procedures as:

• visual acuity test;
• skiascopy;
• cycloplegia;
• refractometry.

And based on the results of the studies, specific recommendations for the treatment of the disease will already be given.

Treatment of myopia in Makhachkala

Minus vision in children in most cases can be treated. Methods for the treatment of myopia in childhood include the following areas:

1. Medicated – vitamins A and E, containing blueberries, taurine, lutein.
2. Treatment in the Children’s Vision Protection Room (KOZD). An ophthalmologist selects the necessary treatment for each child.
3. Optical correction – spectacle correction, wearing contact lenses.
4. Surgical correction of vision – strengthening of the scleral tissue of the eye (scleroplasty), laser correction.

Prevention of the disease

To prevent the development of myopathy in children, experts strongly recommend that the following simple rules be observed:

1. Compliance with the regime of work and rest.
2. Annual eye examination at school and clinic.
3. General strengthening of the body, exercise, preferably outdoors.
4. Restrictions in working with gadgets (smartphone, phone, computer).
5. Rational nutrition.

Prevent your child from progressing myopia. Show it to the doctor in time to undergo the necessary course of therapy. After all, myopia is not only a minus in diopters, it is also a minus in the quality of a baby’s life.

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Is farsightedness a plus or a minus? – Articles

Farsightedness (hypermetropia) is a refractive error in which light rays are refracted in such a way that they are focused behind the retina. This prevents the perception of a clear image.

When a person is first diagnosed with farsightedness, he asks himself: is farsightedness a plus or a minus?

Like any refractive error, hypermetropia reduces visual acuity and causes a number of asthenopic complaints: burning sensation in the eyes, fatigue, headaches. This means an inevitable decline in the quality of life. It is difficult for a person to read small text on product packages, it is impossible to work with small objects, embroider, read, etc. For far-sighted people, all of these activities become a serious problem.

What do experts mean when they say that farsightedness is a plus? It is about the degree of farsightedness:

• weak – up to +3 D,
• medium – from +3 to +6 D,
• high – from +6 D.

Hypermetropia is a refractive error that requires correction with “plus” lenses. In a far-sighted person, the image is focused behind the retina. “Plus lenses” change the refraction of rays in such a way that they focus clearly on the retina. The curvature of the lens is determined by the degree of hypermetropia.

Presbyopia, or when the arms are not long enough

Farsightedness, which is associated with age-related changes in the accommodation apparatus of the lens, is called presbyopia. Its other name is “short hand disease”; such a playful definition is due to the fact that the presbyope needs to move the text a considerable distance from the eyes in order to read it.

As the accommodative capabilities of the lens weaken, this becomes insufficient, and the person notices that reading the small print on the medicine package, in the book, or on the phone has become a problem.

Presbyopia can be combined with nearsightedness or farsightedness. This must be taken into account by the ophthalmologist when selecting glasses or contact lenses.

Solution

In the Center of Eye Surgery, an effective correction of farsightedness is carried out, taking into account:

• degrees of hypermetropia,
• age,
• comorbidities,
• patient profession,
• his wishes.

In the department of contact correction, glasses or contact lenses can be fitted. With hypermetropia, “plus” spectacle and contact lenses are used. For presbyopes, bi- or multifocal glasses can be selected, which provide good vision not only near, but also far.

Modern models of multifocal glasses allow you to avoid a clear border at the junction of two lenses, which looks unaesthetic. Thanks to this, glasses with farsightedness can become not only a faithful assistant for good vision, but also a beautiful accessory.

It is also possible to select soft contact lenses that the patient can wear during the day. Rigid lenses are used for night time – they are worn at bedtime and change the curvature of the cornea for a while, allowing the hyperope to see better during the day.

Also, the Center for Eye Surgery performs surgical treatment of hypermetropia. Its advantages are:

• Opportunity to refuse lenses and glasses,
• stable and predictable results,
• effect in the first days after the operation.

Depending on age, the degree of hypermetropia and the presence of concomitant diseases (for example, cataracts), two methods are used:

• LASIK.