MYOPIA

Myopia is nearsightedness. Nearsighted eyes are good at seeing objects that are up close but have trouble seeing objects that are far away. This is due to a refractive error in the eye. Myopia is not an eye disease, but an eye disorder. Myopia is often inherited from parents. Chances are, if your parents wore glasses, you will need glasses too.

Myopia appears in children between the ages of ​six​ and twelve and may worsen through the teenage years. Between the ages of 20 and 40, there may be little or no change in vision. After 40, vision may begin deteriorating again. The onset of myopia may be slow and gradual, or rapid and sudden. Every case is unique to the patient. The first signs of myopia often become noticeable when a child has a difficult time reading a ​blackboard ​, or seeing the teacher clearly​, or sits too close to the TV,​ but has no trouble reading his textbook. Common options for treatment are the use of glasses or contact lenses. One other other option for myopia is:

• Orthokeratology, ​This involves ​ re-shaping of the cornea using rigid gas-permeable contacts​, worn overnight and removed during the day.​ These contacts rest on the surface of the eye and gently re-shape the cornea.

• People with myopia are at a higher risk for glaucoma and cataracts​ in late life.​ They also have a higher than average chance of having a detached retina.

• ​Regular eye examinations are important​, ​but ​if you notice you or your child is squinting a lot or sitting closer to the TV, or if you or they complain about blurry vision ​then a visit to the Optometrist is essential