What is Myopia?
Myopia is the technical name for nearsightedness. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long, causing light rays to focus just before the retina, instead of exactly on it. This results in blurry vision at a distance, while short distance vision remains the same.
Myopia can also be caused by too much curvature of the cornea compared to the length of the eyeball, or even a combination of both of these. It usually occurs in childhood, especially if the parents are also myopic. sometimes the progression of myopia slows down or even stops as you get older, however, sometimes it can continue to worsen with age. Mild myopia isn’t a cause for concern of developing future serious eye problems and can be fixed entirely with prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Myopia can progress to high myopia, or degenerative myopia. This is much more serious, and can cause complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, and even retina separation. These complications can lead to vision loss and blindness. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, and affects millions of Americans ever year. It is a cloudiness in the lens of your eye, and what you usually see in blind peoples eyes.
Glaucoma is another disorder that can develop in your eye, in which there is damage to your optic nerve. The optic nerve is responsible for carrying information to the brain from the eye, and naturally if this important part of the process is damaged, it can lead to sever consequences. The most dangerous part of glaucoma is the fact that it doesn’t give symptoms in early stages.
Once you realize your vision is worsening, it might be too late. Retina separation is the scariest of the three. This process can happen slowly over time or all at once, and is a serious vision threatening event. It occurs when the retina detaches from the supporting tissue and can no longer function. There are procedures that can be done to reattach the retina, but it has to be done quickly, if not, permanent blindness can be the result.
Don’t be too freaked out after reading this, many people have nearsightedness. Just make sure to regularly go to your optometrist and get checkups, and wear sunglasses!
Related Article: Common Vision Problems
About Eyeconcept
Eyeconcept in Oakville offers eye care services such as eye exams, children eye exams & contact lens. Eyeconcept will also help you protect your vision and to put your best look forward with our designer frames and sunglasses.
Book your eye exam with our optometrist at Eyeconcept Oakville and visit us in store to find the perfect pair of prescription glasses or sunglasses.
