Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while near objects are seen clearly. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia is one of the most common vision disorders and often begins in childhood.
Types of Myopia
- Simple Myopia – The most common type,
corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
- Pathological Myopia – Progressive and
degenerative, leading to retinal complications.
- Night Myopia – Vision is more blurred in
dim light conditions.
- Pseudomyopia – Temporary myopia due to excessive
near work or eye strain.
- Induced Myopia – Caused by certain drugs,
cataracts, or environmental factors.
Causes
- Genetic predisposition (family history of myopia)
- Excessive near work (reading, screen time)
- Lack of outdoor activities and sunlight exposure
- Weak ciliary muscles leading to accommodative strain
- Corneal or lens abnormalities
Clinical Features
- Blurry distance vision
- Frequent squinting
- Difficulty seeing road signs, boards, or TV screens
- Eye strain and headaches after prolonged near work
Signs & Symptoms
- Reduced visual acuity for distant objects
- Squinting and eye fatigue
- Frequent blinking or rubbing of eyes
- Difficulty driving at night (night myopia)
Investigations
- Visual Acuity Test – Snellen chart for
assessing vision clarity
- Retinoscopy – To measure refractive
error
- Cycloplegic Refraction – To differentiate between
true and pseudomyopia
- Fundoscopy – To rule out retinal
changes in high myopia
Treatment
- Corrective Lenses – Concave lenses (-ve
power) to shift the focal point onto the retina
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) – Special rigid contact
lenses to reshape the cornea overnight
- LASIK or PRK Surgery – For permanent correction
in eligible candidates
- Vision Therapy & Eye Exercises – To reduce strain and improve accommodation
- Homeopathic Treatment – Aimed at improving vision
and preventing progression
Homeopathic Remedies for Myopia
- Phosphorus – Weak eyesight with black
spots, sensitivity to light, and fatigue.
- Ruta Graveolens – Eyestrain, blurred vision
after reading, better in dim light.
- Physostigma – Spasms of accommodation,
blurred vision, and difficulty focusing.
- Belladonna – Sudden vision blurring,
dry eyes, and headache from eye strain.
- Argentum Nitricum – Weak vision with
photophobia, worse from bright light or heat.
Mnemonic for Myopia Causes: "GENES"
- G – Genetics (family history)
- E – Excessive near work
- N – Night myopia
- E – Environmental factors
(poor lighting, screen time)
- S – Structural eye changes
(elongated eyeball)
Tags
SURGERY