What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Myopia
• Near Vision
• Shortsightedness

What is Nearsightedness? (Definition/Background Information)

• Nearsightedness (or Myopia) is a very common disorder of the eye, in which objects that are closer appear clear and distinct, but those at a distance are blurred and out of focus
• This refractive error of the eye lens is generally corrected by prescribing the use of eye-glasses and contact lenses. However, other permanent treatment options such as surgical corrections (using laser surgery) are also available

Who gets Nearsightedness? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Nearsightedness is commonly observed in young children in the age group 8-12 years. It may also occur in adults
• Sometimes, newborn children are also present with the condition
• Both male and female genders are equally affected; and no definitive racial or ethnic predominance is noted. Though, some studies have shown that Afro-American blacks are affected to a lesser extent

What are the Risk Factors for Nearsightedness? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Nearsightedness include:

• Nearsightedness runs in the families and hence, children born in families with a medical history of the condition are at an increased risk
• Individuals who perform tasks that require the eye to focus on near objects for prolonged periods, such as reading, computer-related work, knitting, etc. may have an increased risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Nearsightedness? (Etiology)

• In order to see an object clearly, light from that object has to fall focused on the retina (which is the layer inside of the eye ball)
• In Nearsightedness, the light from distant objects, after passing through the cornea and lens converge in front of the retina instead, which causes images of (only) far objects to be blurred
• In contrast the eye has the ability to focus on near objects very well and hence the near objects appear clear. Due to this reason, the condition is also called Near Vision
• Nearsightedness could be inherited or acquired

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness is often suspected due to the following signs and symptoms generally observed during childhood:

• Blurry outline of distant objects
• Regularly squint and strain oneself, while reading the board in a classroom, or when looking at distant objects
• Need to sit closer to have a better view; especially while watching television, in the movie theatre, or in classrooms
• Excessive blinking; frequent rubbing of the eyes may be a symptom
• Headache that gets worse as the day progresses; normally there is no headache upon waking-up
• Nearsightedness may get worse as the child approaches teenage. The degree of progression gradually decreases around the age of 20 years, which may be due to the fact that the growth phase of an individual slows down around that period

How is Nearsightedness Diagnosed?

The following tests are conducted by an ophthalmologist to diagnose and assess the level of severity of Nearsightedness:

• Physical examination of the eye, evaluation of family history
• Standard reading test (using Snellan eye chart)
• Refraction test using a retinoscope
• Examination of the eye using an ophthalmoscope

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Nearsightedness?

Individuals with Nearsightedness may develop the following complications:

• Retinal degeneration or detachment: This usually occurs after a long period, usually decades. The more severe the nearsightedness, more is the individual at risk for such complications
• Corneal infections due to the use of contact lens. Fungal eye infection is a common type of contact lens infection
• If the disorder is not corrected, it can visually handicap the individuals affecting their quality of life, and develop safety concerns
• There is an increased risk for glaucoma formation (a serious eye disorder). Untreated glaucoma can lead to blindness over many years

How is Nearsightedness Treated?

The treatment measures for Nearsightedness are essentially meant to try and rectify the refractive error problem of the eye. These measures include:

• Wearing eye glasses or contact lenses
• Surgical corrections using laser or lens implants: The most common procedure employed is termed LASIK (Laser-assisted in-situ Keratomileusis). Such procedures are permanent and eliminate the requirement of eye glasses
• Orthokeratology; a process that reshapes and alters the cornea curvature by using a set of hard contact lenses. However, this may not be a permanent solution

How can Nearsightedness be Prevented?

• Nearsightedness may not be preventable
• Early diagnosis and correction of the defect, may prevent it from getting worse

Protect your eyes and maintain a set of healthy eyes by ensuring the following steps.

• Protect eyes from the sun
• Eat a healthy diet (with plenty of vitamin A)
• Use adequate lighting (mainly while performing close work)
• Avoid smoking
• Have your eyes checked regularly
• Wear the prescribed set of eye-glasses/contact lens regularly

What is the Prognosis of Nearsightedness? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Nearsightedness can be corrected and far/distant vision qualitatively restored. In majority of the cases, the prognosis is excellent. However, an early detection and management of the condition may arrest progression of the condition
• Without any treatment or rectification of the disorder, the quality of life may be constrained or severely affected
• A delayed treatment or a lack of treatment of the disorder, could also lead to additional complications such as, macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal hemorrhage and retinal detachment

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Nearsightedness:

• Nearsightedness is prevalent worldwide and the affected population statistics varies vastly from region to region: Asia (10-80%), Africa (10-20%), and Europe & America (30-40%)