Myopia (near-sightedness) is a very common refractive error where near objects appear clear but distant ones are blurry.
For example, a myopic person can read a book easily but may struggle to recognize road signs or see clearly while driving. Myopia is becoming a public health concern, with its prevalence expected to rise significantly in the coming decades.
Myopia occurs when light rays focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, typically due to an elongated eyeball or excessive corneal curvature.
Risk factors include both genetic and environmental factors, especially prolonged near work.
Myopia classification:
There are three degrees of myopia:
- Mild: up to -3.00 diopters
- Moderate: between -3.00 and -6.00 diopters
- High/pathological: over -6.00 diopters
In children and adolescents, myopia usually worsens until growth ends, stabilizing around age 20–25. In high myopia, progression may continue into adulthood and may lead to complications like retinal detachment or myopic maculopathy.
Corrective options include:
- Glasses and contact lenses: The simplest and most common method. Special D.I.M.S. lenses or low-dose atropine drops have shown effectiveness in controlling myopic progression.
- Specialty contact lenses: Including orthokeratology (Ortho-K), worn overnight to reshape the cornea and allow clear vision during the day.
- Refractive surgery (in adults with stable myopia):
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- Laser surgery (LASIK, PRK, SMILE) reshapes the cornea to correct refraction.
- Phakic intraocular lenses (ICL) for cases unsuitable for laser.
- Refractive lens exchange (RLE): involves replacing the natural lens with a custom intraocular lens, especially in presbyopic patients.
Treatment choice depends on age, stability of myopia, corneal thickness, ocular health, and visual expectations. A comprehensive eye exam helps determine the most appropriate solution.