What is Myopia? Treatment and Symptoms

What is Myopia? Treatment and Symptoms

Myopia is one of the most common vision defects in the world and usually occurs in childhood or adolescence. This eye disease causes distant objects to appear blurry, although close objects can be seen clearly. These people usually consult an ophthalmologist with complaints such as watching television closely, not being able to see the board clearly, or having difficulty reading signs while driving. While myopia symptoms may vary from person to person, they may progress over time and negatively affect daily life. Myopia treatment can be done by various methods; In addition to classical solutions such as glasses or contact lenses, laser eye surgery is also among the permanent solutions.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error in which distant objects cannot be seen clearly, but nearby objects can be seen clearly. This condition occurs when the eyeball is longer than normal or the corneal curvature increases. It causes light from the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of on the retina. It is often linked to genetic factors; People with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it. In addition, long-term close work in childhood, such as reading books or looking at digital screens, can also trigger the development of this vision defect.

What Causes Myopia?

The question of what causes myopia is one of the most curious topics for people who encounter this eye disease for the first time. Many factors play a role in the emergence of this situation:

• Long Eyeball — The main reason is that the eyeball is longer than normal.
• Corneal Curve — Myopia occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is more curved than normal.
• Genetic Predisposition — Having a family history of myopia increases the risk.
• Close Range Activities — Long-term, close-range visual activities (reading, screen) trigger development.
• Less Outdoor Time — Not spending enough time outdoors increases the risk.
• Long Screen Time — Long periods of time spent in front of the screen can accelerate the development of myopia.

What are the Types of Myopia?

• Simple Type — It is the most common type. It develops as a result of the eyeball being structurally long.
• High Type — It is defined when the degrees of the disease are above -6.00 diopters. The risk of retinal tears and glaucoma may increase.
• Night Myopia — It is characterized by impaired vision in low light conditions.
• pseudomyopia — It is a temporary myopia condition that develops due to eye fatigue or spasm.
• Degenerative Type — It is a rare but serious form. It progresses with structural changes in the back of the eye and retinal thinning.

What are the symptoms of myopia?

• Blurred Distance Vision — The most basic symptom is that distant objects appear blurry.
• Don't Squint — The need to squint is common.
• Headache — Headaches may occur frequently.
• Eye Strain — Eye fatigue and difficulty focusing become evident.
• Night Driving Difficulty — There may be difficulty in seeing while driving at night.
• Blinking/Rubbing — Blinking and frequent eye rubbing attract attention.
• School Problems in Children — The inability to see the board and the child's close viewing habits may be noticed.

How Do Myopes See?

While people with myopia see distant objects blurry, they generally do not have problems with the clarity of close objects. This situation attracts attention especially in school-age children. Habits such as not being able to see the board or watching television too closely may suggest general symptoms.

• Inability to Read Distant Text — They cannot read distant texts.
• Signage / Traffic — They cannot see signs or traffic signals clearly.
• Sports / Driving — They may experience vision problems while doing sports or driving.
• Constant Squinting — They may have to squint their eyes constantly.

Myopia Degrees

• Low Grade — Between -0.25 D and -3.00 D.
• Secondary — Between -3.00 D and -6.00 D.
• High — Above -6.00 D. The risk of retinal diseases, cataracts and glaucoma is higher in this group; Regular follow-up is of great importance.

How is myopia treated?

• Glasses / Contact Lenses — It is the most common and safe solution. Provides visual clarity.
• Orthokeratology Lenses — Thanks to special lenses worn at night, the cornea can be shaped and clear vision can be achieved throughout the day.
• Laser Treatments — It is suitable for those looking for a permanent solution. Compatibility with eye structure is required.
• Intraocular Lens Implants — It is preferred for people who are not suitable for laser surgery.

Eye Laser Surgery for Myopia Treatment

Eye laser surgery is one of the modern methods that offer a permanent solution in the treatment of myopia. It is especially ideal for individuals who do not want to wear glasses or contact lenses. A detailed eye examination is performed before laser surgery; A personalized treatment plan is created by evaluating the structure of the eye, corneal thickness and the degree of the disease.

• LASIK — It is the most commonly applied method. The corneal shape is rearranged by laser.
• PRK — It is preferred in people with thin corneas. Recovery time is longer.
• SMILE — It is a newer technique and recovery time is short.

Frequently Asked Questions