Having Difficulty In Seeing Distant Objects? You May Be Suffering From Myopia

"Seeing through myopic eyes" is something we often use as an expression. Read on to know more about what is Myopia, in this article.

It essentially means 'near-sightedness' and although it can be a handy form of expression to describe the narrowness of looking at something, in case of the eyes' real health, it can be a concern if not treated on time.

Myopia is the most common refractive error that the eyes have and the problem has become more common in the recent times.

What Is Myopia?

We get diagnosed with myopia when the eyeball becomes too long in relation to the focussing power of the cornea and lens of the eyes. This makes the light rays focus at one point in front of the retina, rather than directly on the surface.

Myopia can also be caused if the cornea or lens get too curved for the eyeball's length. Myopia begins at a smaller age and can be genetic. The problem of near-sightedness can improve in the later years; however, sometimes, it can persist as well.

Myopia, in most cases, is a minor problem which poses little risk to the eye. But, there are times when it can degenerate and lead to cataracts.

Causes Of Myopia:

Though the exact cause of myopia is not known, experts feel eye fatigue caused by excessive work in front of computers or doing something that requires near-vision for long hours can be a reason. Myopia is generally a problem in the eyes' focussing mechanism. It can also have a genetic reason.

Symptoms Of Myopia:

General symptoms of myopia include difficulty in seeing distant things clearly, squinting (narrowing the eyes to see), eye strain, fatigue and headache. If you are having these symptoms while wearing your glasses and contact lenses, don't wait but meet with an eye doctor at the earliest.

Treatment For Myopia:

The problem can be treated by wearing glasses, contact lenses or undergoing refractive surgery. Depending on the degree of the problem, one may have to put on their glasses and lenses always or at the time of clearly seeing distant objects like during driving or watching a movie.

Orthokeratology, which is a non-surgical procedure, also helps. Under this, you will have to wear special rigid gas-permeable contact lenses at night that reshape your cornea even as you sleep.

When you remove the device in the morning, the cornea temporarily retains the new shape, enabling you to have a better sight without wearing glasses or contact lenses.

New researches have also found an oral medication that can improve myopia in children aged between 8 and 13 years.

Food Habits:

A healthy food habit is also helpful in catering to the nutritional needs for those suffering from myopia. Calcium, vitamins C and D, selenium, magnesium and chromium help in improving our overall eye health.

Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, baked beans, etc., should be taken adequately.

Magnesium is particularly helpful for those having myopia. Almonds, lentils, peanuts, whole wheat bread, etc., should be included. Cashews contain magnesium which relaxes our eye muscles, and so it must be taken in regularly. Fleshy fish that have omega-3 fatty acids are also good for our eyes' health.

Besides, brown rice, eggs, certain fish, shrimp (contain selenium), fortified milk (having vitamin D), fortified orange juice, cheese, yogurt, etc., also improve the health of the eyes' cornea.

People with myopia have a lower-than-average blood level of vitamin D than people who have a normal vision. Vegetables and fruits containing vitamin C are also essential for a good eye health.