Nearsightedness is a common vision defect caused by the irregular shape and length of the eye, and may be accentuated by environmental stresses. Nearsighted people can see close objects clearly and distant objects less clearly. Special prescription glasses and contact lenses can correct nearsightedness. Laser procedures and Corneal Molding techniques using specially designed contact lenses are now being used with varying degrees of success to eliminate nearsightedness. The risks associated with surgical and corneal molding techniques should be duly noted. Although, generally, nearsightedness cannot be prevented, proper diagnosis, eye care and monitoring of the condition will bring things back into perspective!

Nearsightedness is a common vision defect in which distant objects appear out of focus, while objects that are within close range can be seen clearly. People who are nearsighted find it difficult to focus on road signs or a screen in a movie theatre, but have no problem reading their morning paper. Signs of nearsightedness include eye strain, headaches, squinting and blurred vision.

People who are nearsighted find it difficult to focus on road signs or a screen in a movie theatre, but have less problem reading their morning paper. Signs of nearsightedness include eye strain, headaches, squinting and blurred vision.

Experts say that although nearsightedness may be inherited, we cannot be sure it will be passed on to the next generation. There is also mounting evidence indicating that too much close visual work, poor nutrition, stress and other environmental factors can significantly accentuate the symptoms of this defect.

Nearsightedness generally occurs because the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the eye’s outer window) is too curved. As a result, the light rays entering the eye are focused in front of, rather than on, the retina (the nerve-rich lining inside the eye, where we “see”) and distance vision is blurred. Most people develop nearsightedness before the age of 20 — especially during childhood, while the eye is still growing.

If you are only mildly nearsighted, your eye doctor may suggest that you use corrective lenses for activities that require distance vision like driving, watching a movie at the theatre, or for sports that require precise distance vision such as archery or baseball. In moderate to severe nearsightedness, concave (minus sign on your prescription) glasses or contact lenses may be needed at all times to maintain clear, strain-free vision. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses are the best choice, since it has been proven that they can slow and even stop the progression of nearsightedness. Soft lenses allow vision loss to continue the degenerative process, known as “myopia creep.”

Laser or conventional incision procedures can be performed on healthy eyes to permanently flatten the cornea and focus light precisely on the retina. For optimal results, more than one procedure may be necessary. If successful, these procedures may eliminate the need for eyewear. However, correction may not result in perfect 20/20 vision and prescription lenses may still be necessary. The long-term risks associated with these procedures should be noted. Risks include overcorrection, undercorrection, sensitivity to glare, seeing halos around lights, poor night vision, daily shifts in the ability to focus, and increased danger of corneal rupture or scarring, producing permanently clouded vision.

New acrylic lens implants (United States ratification in 1999) may also be surgically inserted to correct mild nearsightedness in some people. This option involves side effects similar to those associated with other laser and conventional incision procedures. In some cases, when side effects become pronounced, repeat surgery has to be performed to remove implants.

Those looking for an alternative therapy that can temporarily improve nearsightedness may prefer orthokeratology. In orthokeratology, a series of rigid contact lenses are used to realign the cornea. Because studies are ongoing in this area and concern still exists regarding the lack of trials, only limited approval has been received from medical authorities. Possible side effects of orthokeratology include infections and permanent warping or damage to the cornea.

Nearsightedness has been affecting humankind since time immemorial. Today, as we increase the number of hours spent on close visual work and leisure — particularly on video games, computers and while surfing on the Internet — our eyes become more exposed to this defect. Although experts say nearsightedness cannot be prevented, we can take steps to keep it from getting worse.

Environmental factors play a role in the degree of nearsightedness you may develop. So give your eyes a break!

• Keep your work area well-lit and glare-free. Focus on more distant objects every half hour when reading, writing or working on the computer. Ensure your work space is ergonomically designed. And remember to get up and walk around for 10 minutes for every 90 minutes of close visual work you do
• Eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Make sure you are getting enough calcium, magnesium, zinc, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C
• Make stress reduction techniques such as stretching, controlled breathing, yoga, meditation and regular low-impact cardiovascular exercise part of your daily routine.

If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, see an eye doctor for a complete examination. As you age, you may find that your nearsightedness gradually becomes more pronounced. Regular eye examinations will help determine if you need to change the strength of your lenses.

Nearsightedness in children
Early detection and monitoring of nearsightedness is key in children. If this defect goes undetected, children’s emotional and social development may suffer as well as their school work. Make sure your child gets a complete eye examination from a qualified optometrist. Once diagnosed, eyewear prescriptions for nearsightedness may need to be changed frequently to accommodate changes in vision in children during years of rapid growth.

A child who squints to see a blackboard or performs poorly in distance vision sports may be nearsighted.