Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a vision problem caused by the eye’s inability to refract light properly. As a result, images in the distance appear blurry and out of focus. Nearsightedness is a very common refractive issue. According to the American Optometric Association, it affects an estimated 30% of people in the U.S.

Understanding Myopia

An elongated shape of the eyeball or abnormalities in the cornea or lens causes nearsightedness. These issues cause light to focus before the retina instead of exactly onto it. Consequently, faraway objects appear blurry.

Myopia can make it hard to see things further away, such as a movie on a TV screen, a whiteboard in school, or while driving. It might start manifesting during childhood because children’s eyes grow until their late teens. Generally, myopia progression stops after the age of 20. In some cases, adults can develop myopia due to visual stress or other health issues, such as diabetes. Thus, it is important to be aware of the possibility of adult-onset myopia and have regular eye checkups if necessary.

Main Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of myopia is unknown. But here are the risk factors you need to be aware of:

• Genetics — It has been widely documented that myopia can be inherited. If one or both of your parents are nearsighted, your chance of developing it is greater than if they were not. Therefore, it is important to monitor your vision regularly if you have a family history of myopia.
• Environmental Factors — Though genetics may make some people more prone to myopia, their development progress could be impacted by how they use their eyes. Studies have found a worrying link between the extended use of smart devices and myopia. People who read, work on a computer, or perform other strenuous near-view tasks for long periods may have an increased risk of developing myopia. Screen time has been linked to a 30% higher likelihood of developing nearsightedness. When combined with excessive computer use, that risk increases to 80%.
• Age — Nearsightedness can be spotted between eight and 12 years old in most children. Their adolescent period is usually when the body starts to grow rapidly, and their myopia can worsen. After reaching 20-40 years of age, more than likely, there won’t be any further changes.
• Ancestry — People in certain ethnic groups, like Asians, are more prone to having higher levels of myopia. The surge in myopia is largely attributed to the extensive educational pressure in Asian countries. To keep up with expectations, children tend to read for extended periods, usually under bad lighting or on digital devices. Spending long hours indoors restricts exposure to daylight and distant view. This leads to the lengthening of the eyeballs, thus, causing myopia. This issue has been gaining traction due to increased dependence on digital devices and screens.
• Certain Health Problems — Myopia can be a byproduct of irregular blood glucose levels among people with diabetes. It may also be an early symptom of the formation of cataracts. Moreover, numerous factors related to childbirth are linked to myopia. These include congenital glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and ocular albinism, to name a few.

Myopia is incurable. However, several simple steps can help you maintain the health of your eyes. At Premier Eye Care, we can recommend the right treatment for your vision problem. Call our clinic today in Fort Worth, Texas, at (817) 428-2020 to schedule your eye exam.