Myopia, or short‑sightedness, occurs when the eye focuses images in front of the retina, making distant objects blurred. It usually results from the eye being too long or the cornea too steep.
Risk Factors
Genetics play a strong role, with higher rates in children of myopic parents. Environmental factors such as prolonged near work, limited time outdoors, and educational demands also contribute, particularly in childhood and adolescence.
- Onset commonly occurs in school‑age years and progresses into early adulthood
- High myopia increases risks of retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, and glaucoma
- Some systemic and ocular conditions are associated with secondary myopia
- Ethnic and regional variations reflect both genetic and lifestyle influences
Management
Myopia is corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, and modern strategies aim to slow progression in children. Regular monitoring helps detect associated complications.
- Myopia control options include special contact lenses, spectacles, and low‑dose atropine
- Encouraging outdoor time and balanced near work may reduce progression risk
- Adults with high myopia need regular retinal examinations
- Sudden changes in floaters or flashes require urgent review in myopes
