Myopia is an eye condition characterized by an excessive refraction of the eye, in which light rays focus in front of the retina, producing a blurred image. In other words, the power of the optic system is too great in relation to the length of the eyeball. The higher the degree of myopia, the closer the clear point of vision is to the eye. Myopia can be congenital or acquired. Nowadays, due to excessive use of electronic devices, activities in poor lighting and sedentary lifestyles, myopia has become a global problem. According to WHO estimates, by 2050, one in two people will have some degree of myopia. Depending on the progression, myopia can be:
- Rapidly progressive (more than 1 diopter per year),
- Slowly progressive (0.5-1 diopter per year),
- Stabilized (less than 0.5 diopters per year).
Types of myopia:
- Axial: when the length of the eyeball exceeds the norm of 23.5 mm (each additional millimeter increases myopia by about 3 diopters).
- Refractive: when myopia is caused by an increased refractive power of the cornea.
- Mixed: a combination of the two types.
Myopia is classified according to severity:
- Light: up to 3.00 diopters,
- Average: between 3.25 and 6.00 diopters,
- Large: over 6.25 diopters.
- Strong myopia, over 10 diopters, associated with dystrophic retinal changes.
There is a genetic predisposition to myopia, with a higher risk if one or both parents are nearsighted.
Preventive measures:
- Spending time outdoors, where exposure to natural light promotes healthy eye development and reduces the risk of nearsightedness. Artificial light, even from the brightest lamps, is much dimmer than natural light.
- Screen time for children under 10 should not exceed 1 hour per day. For children over 10, the limit is 2.5 hours per day.
- Managing visual tasks correctly: pauses every 20-30 minutes to relax the eyes and change the focus distance.
- A balanced, vitamin-rich diet.
Today, there are multiple methods of correcting myopia, ranging from glasses with “minus” lenses, spectacle lenses with special geometries, day or night contact lenses, to refractive surgery on the cornea or replacement of the clear lens for refractive purposes. The choice of corrective method depends on age, activity, degree of myopia, presence of astigmatism or other eye conditions.
