मायोपिया

मायोपियाची लक्षणे

Recognizing the symptoms of myopia early can help in timely intervention and management. Some common myopia symptoms include:

1. Blurred Vision:

Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, such as road signs or blackboards.

2. Eye Strain:

Frequent squinting or straining to see far-off objects.

3. Headaches:

Persistent headaches due to prolonged eye strain.

4. Frequent Eye Rubbing:

Often a sign of discomfort or fatigue.

5. Difficulty Seeing at Night:

Also known as night myopia, it can make driving at night challenging.

6. Sitting Close to Screens:

Children with myopia may sit closer to the television or hold books and tablets very close.

If you notice any of these nearsightedness symptoms, it is essential to visit an eye specialist for an accurate diagnosis and corrective measures.

Causes of Myopia

Understanding the causes of myopia can help reduce its progression and prevent severe complications. The following factors contribute to the development of myopia:

• Genetic Factors

If one or both parents have myopia, there is a higher risk of developing the condition.

• पर्यावरणाचे घटक

Increased screen time and prolonged close-up work, such as reading or using digital devices, contribute to early onset and progression.

• Lack of Outdoor Activity

Studies show that spending less time outdoors and limited exposure to natural light can increase the risk of developing myopia.

• Elongated Eyeball

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than on it.

• Abnormal Curvature of the Cornea

A cornea that is overly curved or thick can also result in myopia.

By identifying these causes early, you can take preventive steps and minimize the risk of myopia disease.

Types of Myopia

• Simple Myopia:

The most common form, where the refractive error is mild to moderate and manageable with glasses or contact lenses.

• High Myopia:

A severe form of myopia where the refractive error exceeds -6.00 diopters, increasing the risk of complications like retinal detachment and glaucoma.

• Pathological Myopia (Degenerative Myopia):

A progressive condition that can lead to vision-threatening complications if not managed properly.

• Night Myopia:

A condition where vision becomes blurry in low-light conditions due to a loss of focus.

Diagnosis of Myopia

Diagnosing myopia involves a comprehensive eye examination. Here are some common diagnostic methods:

• व्हिज्युअल तीक्ष्णता चाचणी

The patient reads letters on a chart at a distance to measure clarity of vision.

• Retinoscopy

A light is shone into the eye to observe how it reflects off the retina, helping determine the refractive error.

• Refraction Test

This test uses a phoropter to identify the exact prescription for corrective lenses.

• कॉर्नियल टोपोग्राफी

Measures the curvature of the cornea to detect any irregularities that may be causing myopia.

These tests provide a detailed understanding of the severity and type of myopia, guiding the appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Myopia

Managing myopia involves a combination of corrective measures, lifestyle changes, and advanced treatments.

1. Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses

The most common and immediate solution, eyeglasses and contact lenses correct the refractive error, enabling clear vision.

2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)

Special gas-permeable contact lenses worn overnight temporarily reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day.

3. Medicated Eye Drops (Atropine)

Low-dose atropine drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children.

4. Laser Refractive Surgery

Procedures like LASIK and SMILE reshape the cornea, correcting myopia and reducing dependence on glasses or contacts.

5. Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL)

For individuals with severe myopia, ICLs provide a long-term solution without the need for corneal reshaping.

6. Vision Therapy

Exercises designed to improve focusing ability and eye coordination, particularly for children experiencing early signs of myopia.

How to Prevent Myopia Progression

While some risk factors like genetics cannot be controlled, you can adopt the following measures to slow down the progression of myopia:

• Encourage Outdoor Activities

Spending at least 2 hours outdoors daily has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia.

• 20-20-20 नियमांचे पालन करा:

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

• स्क्रीन वेळ मर्यादित करा:

Set boundaries on the use of digital devices and ensure proper posture and lighting during use.

• Maintain Proper Nutrition:

A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, supports overall eye health.

• डोळ्यांच्या नियमित परीक्षा:

Early detection and intervention through annual eye checkups can help manage myopia effectively.

Complications of Untreated Myopia

Without proper treatment, myopia disease can lead to several complications, including:

• रेटिनल डिटेचमेंट

The risk increases with severe myopia, potentially leading to permanent vision loss.

• काचबिंदू

Increased intraocular pressure can cause damage to the optic nerve, leading to vision impairment.

• मोतीबिंदू

Myopic individuals are at a higher risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age.

• मॅक्युलर डीजनरेशन

High myopia can lead to degenerative changes in the macula, resulting in central vision loss.

Recognizing these risks highlights the importance of early diagnosis and proper treatment.

What are the Types of Refractive Surgeries Available for Myopia?

1. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis)

• Overview: The most popular refractive surgery, LASIK reshapes the cornea using a laser to correct mild to moderate myopia.
• How it works: A flap is created on the surface of the cornea, which is then lifted to allow the laser to reshape the underlying tissue. The flap is repositioned after the procedure.
• Benefits: Quick recovery and minimal discomfort.

2. SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction)

• Overview: A minimally invasive laser surgery suitable for patients with moderate to high myopia.
• How it works: The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a small lenticule (thin disc of tissue) within the cornea, which is removed through a small incision.
• Benefits: Less invasive than LASIK, with reduced dry eye symptoms and faster healing.

3. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy)

• Overview: Ideal for patients with thin corneas or those not eligible for LASIK.
• How it works: The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and a laser reshapes the corneal tissue to correct the refractive error. The epithelium regenerates naturally after the procedure.
• Benefits: No corneal flap is created, making it suitable for individuals with corneal irregularities.

4. ICL (Implantable Collamer Lenses)

• Overview: An excellent option for individuals with high myopia or those not suitable for corneal reshaping surgeries.
• How it works: A biocompatible lens is implanted inside the eye, between the natural lens and the iris, to correct vision.
• Benefits: Reversible procedure, suitable for high refractive errors.

5. LASEK (Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy)

• Overview: A variation of PRK where the epithelium is loosened with alcohol before laser treatment.
• How it works: The epithelial layer is lifted and repositioned after the cornea is reshaped by the laser.
• Benefits: Suitable for thin or irregular corneas, with less discomfort compared to PRK.

6. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

• Overview: Typically recommended for patients with high myopia and presbyopia.
• How it works: Similar to cataract surgery, the natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that corrects myopia.
• Benefits: Corrects both refractive errors and age-related vision loss.

7. SMILE PRO (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction – PRO Version)

1. Overview:

   The latest and more advanced version of the SMILE procedure, typically recommended for individuals with moderate to high myopia or astigmatism.

2. How it works:

   A femtosecond laser creates a precise lenticule (thin disc of corneal tissue) within the cornea. A small incision is made, and the lenticule is removed, reshaping the cornea to correct the refractive error.

3. Benefits:

• Minimally invasive procedure (within 9 seconds) with no need for a corneal flap.
• Reduced risk of dry eye and faster recovery compared to LASIK.
• High precision for correcting moderate to high refractive errors.

Each of these surgeries has specific indications, risks, and benefits. Consulting a specialist at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital can help determine which procedure is best suited for your individual case.