Rfar away or miopi is interference withvision which causes distant objects to appear blurry, but no problem viewing nearby objects. Myopia or nearsightedness is also known as minus eye.
Myopia or nearsightedness is one of the refractive errors of the eye. This condition occurs because the eye cannot focus light in the right place, namely on the retina of the eye. The main symptom of nearsightedness is blurred vision when looking at distant objects, such as writing on a blackboard or traffic signs.
Myopia can be treated with glasses. In addition to glasses, myopia can also be treated with LASIK surgery which uses a laser beam. Myopia can be treated by an ophthalmologist or a refractive ophthalmologist.
Symptoms of Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Symptoms of myopia or nearsightedness can occur in anyone and at any age. But this condition generally begins to be felt by school-age children to teenagers.
Myopia sufferers will experience blurred vision when looking at distant objects. In children, this condition often causes them to have difficulty seeing the letters on the blackboard when sitting in the back row. Meanwhile, in adults, a common complaint is difficulty seeing traffic signs.
Due to the difficulty of seeing distant objects, certain symptoms of myopia sufferers often appear, both felt by the sufferer and realized by others. These symptoms are:
- Headache
- Tired eyes because the eyes work too much
- Often winks
- Often squints eyes when looking at distant objects
- Frequently rubbing eyes
- Seems oblivious to the existence of distant objects
Nearsightedness can get worse with age, but usually stabilizes in adulthood. In some cases, nearsightedness can continue to worsen.
When hcurrent to dokter
You are advised to have your eyes checked regularly so that eye problems such as myopia can be detected and treated early. Routine eye exams can also detect other visual disturbances, such as lazy eye or squint. Routine eye examinations can be undertaken by both children and adults.
If you suspect a change or decrease in vision ability, immediately consult an ophthalmologist. For example, when you can't see writing or distant objects that are normally visible.
You are also advised to take your child to the eye doctor if he seems to be experiencing symptoms of myopia. The eye doctor will determine whether you are nearsighted or not.
In addition, there is an emergency medical condition that is a complication of nearsightedness, namely retinal detachment or detachment. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of retinal detachment, such as:
- Flashes of light appear in one or both eyes.
- A shadow appears like a curtain on the vision.
- Eyes dim.
Causes of Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia or nearsightedness occurs when light that enters the eye does not fall in its proper place, namely the retina. This condition is caused by the shape of the eyeball that is longer than the normal eyeball.
In addition, myopia can also be caused by abnormalities in the cornea and lens of the eye, which functions to focus light on the retina.
Until now, the cause of the eyeball is longer than normal is not known with certainty. However, there are several factors that are thought to increase the risk, including:
- GeneticsA person whose parents are nearsighted has a greater risk of developing nearsightedness.
- Lack of sunshineSomeone who rarely does outdoor activities is more at risk of suffering from nearsightedness because they don't get enough sunlight.
- Vitamin D deficiencyA study says that a person who is deficient in vitamin D is at risk of developing myopia.
- Habit of reading or watching too closelyA person who often reads, looks at the monitor screen, or watches too close to the eye is more prone to nearsightedness. The habit of reading in a dark place, either in a sitting or lying position, is also at risk of making nearsighted eyes.
Diagnosis of Myopia (Nearsightedness)
If the patient is suspected of suffering from nearsightedness, the ophthalmologist will ask about the symptoms that have appeared, since when the symptoms have appeared, and their severity. After that, the doctor will examine the eyes to determine whether the patient is nearsighted or not.
The doctor will check the acuity of the eye using a letter and number diagram (Snellen chart). Patients are asked to look at the diagram from a distance of 6 meters and then read the letters or numbers on the diagram starting from the largest to the smallest size.
If nearsightedness or nearsightedness is suspected, the doctor will ask the patient to read letters and numbers again, assisted by minus lenses. This minus lens is placed in a device called a refractor. Doctors will change lenses until they find the right size for the patient.
If the patient's vision is still impaired after the visual acuity examination, the doctor may perform additional examinations, such as:
- Pupil examination, to see the pupillary response to light by shining a light on the eye using a flashlight or special lamp.
- Examination of eye movements, to see whether the patient's eyes move in harmony or not.
- Side vision examination, to determine the condition and ability of the patient's side vision.
- Examination of the front of the eyeball, to see if there are wounds or cataracts on the cornea, iris, lens and eyelids.
- Examination of the retina and optic nerve, to see if there is damage to the retina or optic nerve.
- Examination of eye pressure, to see if there is an increase in eye pressure by pressing the eye gently using a special tool. Increased eye pressure can be a symptom of glaucoma.
Myopia Treatment (Nearsightedness)
Treatment for myopia or nearsightedness is done to help focus light on the retina. The type of treatment chosen depends on the age of the patient, the severity of nearsightedness, and the patient's health condition.
Use of glasses or contact lenses
The simplest and most affordable way to treat myopia or nearsightedness is to use glasses or contact lenses. The choice of glasses and contact lenses depends on the needs and comfort of the patient.
When choosing to use contact lenses, make sure to always keep the contact lenses clean to avoid eye infections. Contact lenses should also be removed before going to bed.
Laser light surgery (LASIK)
Laser surgery, such as LASIK and SMILE can also be an alternative. Almost all patients who undergo this surgery feel significant changes. In this surgery, a laser beam will be used to adjust the curvature of the cornea.
Keep in mind, this procedure is not suitable for people under 21 years old because their eyes are still developing.
t drugatropine eye drops
Atropine eye drops are thought to be able to prevent myopia or nearsightedness from getting worse. Eye drops can be used routinely in patients with nearsightedness according to a doctor's prescription.
Artificial lens implant
Artificial lens implants are performed to treat high-severity myopia or nearsightedness that cannot be treated with laser surgery. This procedure is done by inserting an artificial lens without removing the original eyepiece or replacing the original lens with an artificial lens.
Complications of Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Myopia that is not treated properly will reduce the quality of life of the sufferer because the sufferer cannot carry out normal daily activities. In addition, severe myopia also increases the risk of other eye problems such as retinal detachment, cataracts and glaucoma.
Pregnant women who suffer from myopia or high minus eyes, are advised not to give birth normally. If you give birth vaginally, people with myopia are at high risk of retinal detachment or detachment.
If you have high minus eye and are pregnant, discuss with your obstetrician about planning for childbirth.
Myopia Prevention (Nearsightedness)
Nearsightedness cannot be completely prevented. However, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy. These steps include:
- Wear sunglasses when traveling during the day to protect your eyes from the sun.
- Have regular eye health checks.
- Use glasses or contact lenses with the right size.
- Quit smoking.
- Rest your eyes periodically when working using
- Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially those rich in vitamin A and vitamin D.
- Perform regular health checks if you have chronic diseases, especially diabetes and hypertension.