About Myopia
What is myopia?
Myopia or short-sightedness is where visual information is focussed in front of the retina due to an elongation of the eye which results in blurred vision. Generally short-sighted people can see reasonably well at short distances but have trouble seeing distant objects clearly.
How can I tell if my child is myopic?
A comprehensive eye examination will determine whether your child’s vision is normal. However, signs that may indicate your child is myopic include:
Squinting to view distant objects
Difficultly viewing the board at school
Poor posture with near work
What causes myopia?
There is no exact cause of short-sightedness, however there are many factors which contribute to its prevalence. Some common causes include:
Genetic factor – family history of myopia
East Asian ethnicity
Increased levels of near work
Decreased time outdoors
Close reading/working distance
Low light level
Why should we treat myopia?
Myopia usually develops during childhood and has the potential to progress until young adult years. High levels of myopia are more commonly associated with retinal pathologies which can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. These include:
Retinal detachment
Myopic maculopathy
Treatment Options
There are various treatment options available, depending upon the degree of myopia and also the patients’ suitability. Some options include: