Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. It is a very common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Here's a detailed description of myopia:

Cause: Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. Alternatively, it can also be caused by a cornea that is too curved.

Symptoms:

  • Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly.

  • Squinting or straining to see far away.

  • Eye fatigue or headaches, especially after focusing on distant objects for an extended period.

Development: Myopia often develops during childhood and typically progresses until the eyes stop growing, usually in the late teens to early twenties.

Risk Factors:

  • Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families.

  • Environmental factors: Activities that involve prolonged near work, such as reading or computer use, may increase the risk of developing myopia.

  • Lifestyle: Spending more time indoors and less time outdoors has been associated with a higher risk of myopia.

Complications:

  • High myopia (severe nearsightedness) increases the risk of other eye conditions like retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma.

  • Myopia can also impact daily activities and quality of life if not corrected.

Diagnosis: Myopia is diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam, which includes tests to measure visual acuity and determine the correct prescription for glasses or contact lenses.

Correction:

  • Eyeglasses: Concave lenses are used to correct myopia, bending light rays outward before they reach the eye, which helps focus images properly on the retina.

  • Contact lenses: Similar to glasses, contact lenses can correct myopia by altering the way light enters the eye.

  • Refractive surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK can reshape the cornea to correct myopia permanently in suitable candidates.

Management: Regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring the progression of myopia, especially in children whose vision may change frequently. Myopia control techniques, such as special contact lenses or orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses), may also be recommended to slow down its progression.