Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Nearsightedness, or myopia, as it is medically termed, is a vision condition in which close objects are seen clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. Nearsightedness occurs if the eyeball is too long or the cornea, the clear front cover of the eye, has too much curvature. As a result, the light entering the eye isn’t focused correctly and distant objects look blurred.

Nearsightedness is a very common vision condition affecting nearly 30 percent of the U.S. population. Some research supports the theory that nearsightedness is hereditary. There is also growing evidence that it is influenced by the visual stress of too much close work.

Generally, nearsightedness first occurs in school-age children. Because the eye continues to grow during childhood, it typically progresses until about age 20. However, nearsightedness may also develop in adults due to visual stress or healthconditions such as diabetes.

A common sign of nearsightedness is difficulty with the clarity of distant objects like a movie or TV screen or the chalkboard in school. A comprehensive optometric examination will include testing for nearsightedness. An optometrist can prescribe eyeglassesor contact lenses that correct nearsightedness by bending the visual images that enter the eyes, focusing the images correctly at the back of the eye.

The exact cause of nearsightedness is unknown, but two factors may be primarily responsible for its development is heredity and visual stress.Nearsightedness may also occur due to environmental factors or other health problems:

To read more about myopia read the original article on  America Optometric Association.

If you’re in the State of Florida, then drop in at any 20/20 Eyeglass Superstore® location in Melbourne, Orange City or Winter Park and get an eye exam done.  You can also go through our collection of eyeglass frames, sunglasses, designer glasses, etc. while you’re there.