After years of working with patients and their broken glasses, my experience has been:
Glasses were sat on (usually when put down on a bed while dressing/undressing), or stepped on.
Glasses were damaged during a sports or recreational activity.
Glasses were “altered” by a family pet…almost always a dog.
Glasses were destroyed by a young child. Could be the child’s or the parent’s glasses.
Glasses were damaged in luggage, backpack,etc.
Glasses were damaged by owner while attempting to do a repair at home.
Glasses were damaged by “unknown entity.” Were found destroyed on nightstand upon wakening. “They must have been defective.”
Please note that I am not counting loose or missing screws, broken nylon cords for rimless. missing nose pads or temple tips. Those parts are easily fixed and do not constitute damage. Also, home repairs using super glue, toothpicks, standard solder, epoxy resin, acetone, etc. will elevate a low level repair to the need for frame replacement, and will void manufacturers warranties.
There are two main types of glare reducing lenses for eyewear: lenses with an anti-reflective coating and polarized lenses. Both help to prevent glare in their own way. Glare reducing lenses can improve vision clarity, help people see better while driving at night, reduce annoying glare from water or other horizontal surfaces, and eliminate noticeable reflections on a lens itself.
What is glare?
Glare is caused by light bouncing off of a reflective surface. When talking about eyewear, people are most likely referring to lens glare or environmental glare. Lens glare is caused by the reflection of light off the surface of a lens. Whether it belongs to a camera, telescope, binoculars, or even just glasses, all lenses have some level of reflection with the lowest amount of reflection being less than 0.1%. Eyeglass lenses without a glare-reducing coating typically allow around 90% of light to pass through, depending on the lens material. The other 10% of the light reflects off the surfaces of the lens. The glare caused by this 10% reduces vision clarity, causes people to see halos around headlights and street lamps at night, and creates bright, almost white reflections on the lens itself.
Environmental glare is caused by light waves reflecting off of flat surfaces like water or the highway. It becomes focused and travels in a uniform direction parallel to that surface, creating a bright and intense reflection that we call glare. This type of glare affects everyone, regardless of whether or not they wear glasses.
While it may be impossible to eliminate 100% of the glare on glasses lens, technology has helped to get the number as close to 0 as possible. While both anti-reflective coatings and polarized lenses help to reduce glare, the technology behind these two is quite different. An anti-reflective coating (also known as AR or anti-glare coating) actually encourages more light to pass through a lens. When more light passes through, less light reflected off its surfaces, and thus, less glare.
Polarized lenses, on the other hand, reduce glare by absorbing light waves from a certain orientation. Most polarized lenses for eyewear are oriented to absorb horizontal light waves reflected off of flat surfaces like a lake or the snow-covered ground.
When it comes to eyewear, AR coatings are applied both eyeglass lenses and sunglass lenses. Anti-glare coating is applied to both sides of a lens to prevent light from reflecting off the back of the lens as well. Polarized lenses are typically used for sunglasses since the nature of its glare reducing technology is to block light instead of letting more through.
The benefits of glare reducing lenses
Many people question whether or not it’s worth it to get glare reducing lenses. The short answer is: while not everyone may need sunglasses with polarized lenses, lenses with an anti-reflective coating will vastly improve the quality of life for a glasses wearer.
Lens glare is a major source of eye strain since it reduces vision clarity, forcing your eyes to work harder to focus. People who work with computers are especially susceptible to this type of eye strain since illuminated screens act as a direct and constant source of glare on lenses. Adding AR coating to your lenses significantly lessens this glare, helps you see more clearly, and reduces eye strain caused by computer screens.
Glares called “halos” can be seen around the headlights of cars and street lamps. These halosare a great source of discomfort and distraction for glasses wearers who drive at night. They reduce visibility and make nighttime driving difficult. Anti-glare coating prevents these halos and helps to make driving at night safer for glasses wearers.
If you’re someone who is both literally and figuratively in the spotlight a lot, anti-reflective coating is a must. Glare caused by bright lights reflecting off a lens can be distracting. It also obscures your eyes, making it harder for people to find direct eye contact with you. So if you have a client- or customer-facing job, make sure to consider getting glare reducing glasses.
Finally, if you’re someone who spends a lot of time out on the water or working in the snow, you’re well aware of how much glare can reduce visibility and make it a literal pain to be outside. The tint on sunglasses with polarized lenses helps to reduce that all around brightness, while the polarization helps to save your eyes from blinding glare.
So for the best comfort while wearing glasses or sunglasses, consider glare reducing lenses. Not only will they help you see better, but they’ll also help you get the most out of life. At EyeBuyDirect, you can find affordable glare reducing lenses for any of our great styles.
Although light consumption of alcohol probably won’t cause any health problems, drinking alcohol excessively can have harmful effects on your body, including your eyes. Heavy drinking of alcohol may cause problems with your vision and overall eye health including the following:
Decreased visual performance: Your overall visual performance may be altered since drinking heavily impairs brain function. You may have blurred vision or double vision due to weakened eye muscle coordination. You may also experience delayed reactions while driving.
Slow pupil reactions: Alcohol tends to affect the speed at which your iris constricts and dilates. A driver that has been drinking alcohol cannot adapt as quickly to oncoming headlights.
Decreased peripheral vision: Drinking alcohol has also been shown to decrease the sensitivity of your peripheral vision. This may give you the effect or perception of having tunnel vision.
Decreased contrast sensitivity: Drinking too much alcohol can alter your contrast sensitivity, or how precise you can discern between shades of gray. Driving in rain or fog will be much more dangerous.
Optic neuropathy: Also referred to as tobacco-alcohol amblyopia, people who drink or smoke in excess can develop optic neuropathy. You might develop a painless loss of vision, decreased peripheral vision or reduced color vision. Even though studies have shown the vision loss to be a result of a nutritional deficiency, some professionals believe that the condition develops because of toxic effects of alcohol and tobacco.
Frequent migraines: Alcohol has been shown to be a trigger for severe migraine headaches in some people. You may experience a temporary, but debilitating visual aura before the onset of the headache. The visual aura may appear as blind spots, graying of vision or zig-zag patterns of light.
Poor cosmetic appearance: Drinking can cause eye redness. Alcohol causes the blood vessels in your eyes to expand, making them more prominent.
If you have any issues with your eyes, visit or call : Eye update Eye clinic & optical supplies, 01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, Akute/Ajuwon road, off Elliot bus stop, Iju-Ishagah. Tel: 08034971582
A chalazion is a small, usually painless, lump or swelling that appears on your eyelid. A blocked meibomian or oil gland causes this condition. It can develop on the upper or lower eyelid, and may disappear without treatment. Chalazia is the term for multiple chalazion.
A chalazion is sometimes confused with an internal or external stye. An internal stye is an infection of a meibomian gland. An external stye is an infection in the area of the eyelash follicle and sweat gland. Styes are usually painful and chalazia usually aren’t. Chalazia may develop after styes.
You should see your eye doctor if you think you have a chalazion, especially if it blocks your vision or if you’ve had chalazia in the past.
Causes and risk factors
The chalazion is caused by a blockage in one of the tiny meibomian glands of the upper and lower eyelids. The oil these glands produce helps to moisten the eyes.
Inflammation or viruses affecting the meibomian glands are the underlying causes of chalazia.
Chalazia are more common in people with inflammatory conditions like seborrhea, acne, rosacea, chronic blepharitis, or long-term inflammation of the eyelid. They’re also more common in people with viral conjunctivitis or an infection covering the inside of the eyes and eyelids.
Recurring or unusual chalazia may be symptoms of more serious conditions, but these are rare.
Symptoms
A chalazion usually appears as a painless lump or swelling on your upper or lower eyelid. Chalazia may affect both upper and lower lids and can occur in both eyes at the same time. Depending on the size and location of the chalazion, it may blur or block vision.
Although not as common, a chalazion may be red, swollen, and painful if an infection is present.
Diagnosis
In most cases, a doctor can diagnose this condition by taking a close look at the lump on your eyelid. Your doctor will also ask about your symptoms to determine if the lump is a chalazion, a stye, or something else.
Treatment
Some chalazia can go away without treatment. If your doctor does recommend treatment, options may include:
Home care
First, do not try to squeeze the chalazion. It’s best if you touch it as little as possible.
Instead, you should apply a warm compress to your eyelid four times per day for about 10 minutes at a time. This can reduce the swelling by softening the oils in the blocked gland. Make sure you wash your hands before you touch the area.
Your doctor may also tell you to gently massage the lump a few times per day or to scrub your eyelid. Your doctor may also prescribe eye drops or eyelid creams.
Medical treatment
If the chalazion doesn’t go away with home treatment, your doctor may recommend a corticosteroid injection or a surgical procedure. Both the injection and the surgery are effective treatments.
The choice of treatment depends on several different factors. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks.
Preventing a chalazion
It’s not always possible to avoid getting a chalazion. This is especially true if you’re prone to this type of eye problem. But there are a few things that you can do to prevent this condition:
Always wash your hands before touching your eyes.
Make sure that anything that comes in contact with your eyes, such as contact lenses and glasses, is clean.
If you have a condition that increases your chance of developing chalazia, follow your doctor’s instructions to help control them.
If you have any eye infection or discomfort with the eyes, call or visit:
Eye update Eye clinic & opticals 01, Ajuwon junction, Ajuwon bus stop, beside BPNL filling station, Akute/Ajuwon road, off Elliot bus stop, Iju-Ishagah Near Ojokoro. Tel: 0803497158, 08107531046
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible central vision loss in older patients. Dilated funduscopic findings are diagnostic; color photographs, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography assist in confirming the diagnosis and in directing treatment. Treatment is with dietary supplements, intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and low-vision devices.
, MD, Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Professional.Manuals.TopicPage.LastRevisionDate| Content last modified Jun 2019
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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of irreversible central vision loss in older patients. Dilated funduscopic findings are diagnostic; color photographs, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography assist in confirming the diagnosis and in directing treatment. Treatment is with dietary supplements, intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and low-vision devices.
AMD is the leading cause of permanent, irreversible vision loss in older adults. It is more common among whites.
Etiology
Pathophysiology
Two different forms occur:
Dry (nonexudative or atrophic): All AMD starts as the dry form. About 85% of people with AMD have only dry AMD.
Wet (exudative or neovascular): Wet AMD occurs in about 15% of people.
Normal Retina
IMAGE PROVIDED BY SUNIR GARG, MD.
Although only 15% of patients with AMD have the wet form, 80 to 90% of the severe vision loss caused by AMD results from wet AMD.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet)
PAUL WHITTEN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Dry AMD causes changes of the retinal pigment epithelium, typically visible as dark pinpoint areas. The retinal pigment epithelium plays a critical role in keeping the cones and rods healthy and functioning well. Accumulation of waste products from the rods and cones can result in drusen, which appear as yellow spots. Areas of chorioretinal atrophy (referred to as geographic atrophy) occur in more advanced cases of dry AMD. There is no elevated macular scar (disciform scar), edema, hemorrhage, or exudation.
Wet AMD occurs when new abnormal blood vessels develop under the retina in a process called choroidal neovascularization (abnormal new vessel formation). Localized macular edema or hemorrhage may elevate an area of the macula or cause a localized retinal pigment epithelial detachment. Eventually, untreated neovascularization causes a disciform scar under the macula.
Symptoms and Signs
Dry AMD
The loss of central vision occurs over years and is painless, and most patients retain enough vision to read and drive. Central blind spots (scotomas) usually occur late in the disease and can sometimes become severe. Symptoms are usually bilateral.
Funduscopic changes include the following:
Changes in the retinal pigment epithelium
Drusen
Areas of chorioretinal atrophy
Wet AMD
Rapid vision loss, usually over days to weeks, is more typical of wet AMD. The first symptom is usually visual distortion, such as a central blind spot (scotoma) or curving of straight lines (metamorphopsia). Peripheral vision and color vision are generally unaffected; however, the patient may become legally blind (< 20/200 vision) in the affected eye, particularly if AMD is not treated. Wet AMD usually affects one eye at a time; thus, symptoms of wet AMD are often unilateral.
Funduscopic changes include the following:
Subretinal fluid, appearing as localized retinal elevation
Retinal edema
Gray-green discoloration under the macula
Exudates in or around the macula
Detachment of retinal pigment epithelium (visible as an area of retinal elevation)
Subretinal hemorrhage in or around the macula
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Drusen)
PAUL PARKER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Diagnosis
Funduscopic examination
Color fundus photography
Fluorescein angiography
Optical coherence tomography
Both forms of AMD are diagnosed by funduscopic examination. Visual changes can often be detected with an Amsler grid. Color
Treatment
Dietary supplements for high-risk dry or unilateral wet AMD
Intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs or laser treatments for wet AMD
Supportive measures
Dry AMD
There is no way to reverse damage caused by dry AMD. Patients with extensive drusen, pigment changes, and/or geographic atrophy can reduce the risk of developing advanced AMD by 25% by taking daily supplements of the following:
Zinc oxide 80 mg
Copper 2 mg
Vitamin C 500 mg
Vitamin E 400 units
Lutein 10 mg/zeaxanthin 2 mg (or beta-carotene 15 mg or vitamin A 28,000 units for patients who have not smoked)
In current and former smokers, beta-carotene can increase the risk of lung cancer. Recently, substitution of beta-carotene with lutein plus zeaxanthin has been shown to have comparable efficacy (1). Therefore, such a substitution should be considered in current or former smokers. The zinc component of these supplements increases risk of hospitalization for genitourinary tract disorders. Some patients taking beta-carotene also have yellowing of the skin. Reducing cardiovascular risk factors as well as regularly eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids and dark green leafy vegetables may help slow disease progression; however, recent large trials have not shown that taking supplements of omega-3 fatty acids reduces disease progression.
Wet AMD
Patients with unilateral wet AMD should take the daily nutritional supplements that are recommended for dry AMD to reduce the risk of AMD-induced vision loss in the other eye. The choice of other treatments depends on the size, location, and type of neovascularization. Intravitreal injection of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs (usually ranibizumab, bevacizumab, or aflibercept) can substantially reduce the risk of vision loss and can help restore reading vision in up to one third of patients. In a small subset of patients, thermal laser photocoagulation of neovascularization outside the fovea may prevent severe vision loss. Photodynamic therapy, a type of laser treatment, also helps under specific circumstances. Corticosteroids (eg, triamcinolone) are sometimes injected intraocularly along with an anti-VEGF drug. Other treatments, including transpupillary thermotherapy, subretinal surgery, and macular translocation surgery, are seldom used.
Treatment reference
1. Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group: Lutein + zeaxanthin and omega-3 fatty acids for age-related macular degeneration: The age-related eye disease study 2 (AREDS2) randomized clinical trial. JAMA 309(19):2005-15, 2013. doi: 10.1001/jama.2013.4997. Clarification and additional information. JAMA 310(2):208, 2013. doi:10.1001/jama.2013.6403.
Supportive measures
For patients who have lost central vision, low-vision devices such as magnifiers, high-power reading glasses, large computer monitors, and telescopic lenses are available. Also, certain types of software can display computer data in large print or read information aloud in a synthetic voice. Low-vision counseling is advised
Key Points
AMD is more common among whites and is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in older adults.
AMD can be dry (nonexudative or atrophic) or wet (exudative or neovascular).
Although 85% of AMD is dry, 80 to 90% of severe vision loss caused by AMD results from the wet type.
Funduscopic changes in dry AMD include drusen, areas of chorioretinal atrophy, and changes to the retinal pigment epithelium.
Funduscopic changes in wet AMD include retinal edema and localized elevation, detachment of the retinal pigment epithelium, a gray-green discoloration under the macula, and exudates in and around the macula.
If patients have AMD on funduscopy, do color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography.
Prescribe dietary supplements for unilateral wet or high-risk dry AMD.
Treat wet AMD with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor drugs or laser therapy.
According to American Optometric Association (AOA), Astigmatism is a common vision condition that causes blurred vision. It occurs when the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye) is irregularly shaped or sometimes because of the curvature of the lens inside the eye.
An irregularly shaped cornea or lens prevents light from focusing properly on the retina, the light-sensitive surface at the back of the eye. As a result, vision becomes blurred at any distance. This can lead to eye discomfort and headaches.
Astigmatism frequently occurs with other vision conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) and hyperopia (farsightedness). Together these vision conditions are referred to as refractive errors because they affect how the eyes bend or “refract” light.
There are many causes to astigmatism. It can be hereditary and is usually present from birth. It can decrease or increase over time.
A comprehensive optometric examination will include testing for astigmatism. If necessary, your optometrist can provide eyeglasses or contact lenses that correct the astigmatism by altering the way light enters the eyes.
Another option for treating astigmatism is a corneal procedure called orthokeratology (ortho-k). In this painless, noninvasive procedure, the patient wears a series of specially designed rigid contact lenses to gradually reshape the curvature of the cornea.
Laser surgery can also treat some types of astigmatism. The laser changes the shape of the cornea by removing a small amount of eye tissue.
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What causes astigmatism?
The curvature of the cornea and lens bends the light entering the eye in order to focus it precisely on the retina at the back of the eye. In astigmatism, the surface of the cornea or lens has a somewhat different curvature.
the surface of the cornea is shaped more like a football instead of round like a basketball, the eye is unable to focus light rays to a single point. Vision becomes out of focus at any distance.
In addition, the curvature of the lens inside the eye can change, resulting in an increase or decrease in astigmatism. This change frequently occurs in adulthood and can precede the development of naturally occurring cataracts.
Sometimes astigmatism may develop following an eye injury or eye surgery.
Astigmatism also occurs due to a relatively rare condition called keratoconus in which the cornea becomes progressively thinner and cone-shaped. This results in a large amount of astigmatism, which causes poor vision that cannot be clearly corrected with eyeglasses. People with keratoconus usually need contact lenses for clear vision and eventually may need a corneal transplant.
An optometrist can diagnose an astigmatism through a comprehensive eye examination. Testing for astigmatism measures how the eyes focus light and determines the power of any optical lenses needed to improve vision. This examination may include:
Visual acuity-When you read letters on a distance chart, you are measuring your visual acuity. Visual acuity is given as a fraction (for example, 20/40). The top number is the standardized testing distance (20 feet) and the bottom number is the smallest letter size read. A person with 20/40 visual acuity would have to get within 20 feet to read a letter that should be seen clearly at 40 feet. Normal distance visual acuity is 20/20.
Keratometry/Topography-A keratometer is the primary instrument used to measure the curvature of the cornea. By focusing a circle of light on the cornea and measuring its reflection, it is possible to determine the exact curvature of that area of the cornea’s surface. This measurement is particularly critical in determining the proper fit for contact lenses. A corneal topographer, which is gaining use, generates a contour map of the cornea and provides even more detail of the cornea’s shape.
Refraction-Using an instrument called a phoropter, your optometrist places a series of lenses in front of your eyes and measures how they focus light. This is performed using a handheld lighted instrument called a retinoscope or an automated instrument that evaluates the approximate focusing power of the eye. Based on your responses, the power is then refined to determine the lenses that allow the clearest vision. Despite improved technology, patient input remains integral in determining vision needs.
With the information from these tests, your optometrist can determine if you have astigmatism. Your optometrist will use these findings, combined with those of other tests performed, to determine the power of any lens correction you need to provide clear, comfortable vision. Once testing is complete, your optometrist can discuss treatment options.
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How is astigmatism treated?
People with astigmatism have several options to regain clear vision. They include:
Eyeglasses. People with astigmatism primarily choose eyeglasses to improve their vision. The eyeglasses contain a special cylindrical lens prescription that compensates for the astigmatism. This provides additional power in specific parts of the lens.
Generally, a single-vision lens is prescribed to provide clear vision at all distances. However, patients over age 40 who have presbyopia may need a bifocal or progressive addition lens.
Contact lenses. Some people will have better vision with contact lenses rather than eyeglasses. Contact lenses may provide clearer vision and a wider field of view. However, since contact lenses are worn directly on the eyes, they require regular cleaning and care to safeguard eye health.
Standard soft lenses may not be effective in correcting astigmatism. However, special toric soft contact lenses can correct for many types of astigmatism. Because rigid gas-permeable contact lenses maintain their regular shape while on the cornea, they can compensate for the cornea’s irregular shape and improve vision for people with astigmatism.
Orthokeratology. Orthokeratology (ortho-k) involves the fitting of a series of rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea. The patient wears contact lenses for limited periods, such as overnight, and then removes them. People with moderate astigmatism may be able to temporarily obtain clear vision without lenses for most of their daily activities. Orthokeratology does not permanently improve vision. If patients stop wearing the retainer lenses, their vision may return to its original condition.
Laser and other refractive surgery procedures. Astigmatism can also be corrected by reshaping the cornea through LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) or PRK (photorefractive keratectomy). PRK removes tissue from the superficial and inner layers of the cornea. LASIK removes tissue only from the inner layer of the cornea.
If you have an astigmatism, you have a wide range of options to correct your vision problem. In consultation with your optometrist, you can select the treatment that best meets your visual and lifestyle needs
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common vision problem, affecting about a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects very well, but have difficulty focusing on objects that are up close. The condition is sometimes referred to as “hypermetropia” rather than hyperopia.
Hyperopia symptoms
Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eye strain and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.
Hyperopia, or farsightedness, is a common vision problem, affecting about a fourth of the population. People with hyperopia can see distant objects very well, but have difficulty focusing on objects that are up close. The condition is sometimes referred to as “hypermetropia” rather than hyperopia.
Hyperopia symptoms
Farsighted people sometimes have headaches or eye strain and may squint or feel fatigued when performing work at close range. If you get these symptoms while wearing your eyeglasses or contact lenses, you may need an eye exam and a new prescription.
What causes hyperopia/hypermetropia?
Watch this video on what causes blurry vision and how we can correct it.
This vision problem occurs when light rays entering the eye focus behind the retina, rather than directly on it. The eyeball of a farsighted person is shorter than normal.
Many children are born farsighted, and some of them “outgrow” it as the eyeball lengthens with normal growth.
Sometimes people confuse hyperopia with presbyopia, which also causes near vision problems but for different reasons.
Hyperopia treatment
Farsightedness can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses to change the way light rays bend into the eyes.
If your glasses or contact lens prescription begins with plus numbers, like +2.50, you are farsighted.
You may need to wear your glasses or contacts all the time or only when reading, working on a computer or doing other close-up work.
When selecting eyeglasses for the correction of farsightedness, choose aspheric high-index lenses — especially for stronger prescriptions. These lenses are thinner, lighter, and have a slimmer, more attractive profile. Aspheric lenses also reduce the magnified “bug-eye” appearance eyeglasses for hyperopia often cause.
Be aware, though, that high-index aspheric lenses reflect more light than standard plastic lenses. For the best comfort and appearance, make sure the lenses include anti-reflective coating, which eliminates distracting lens reflections.
High-index aspheric lenses for children should be made of lightweight polycarbonate lens material for superior comfort and impact resistance.
Also, photochromic lenses that automatically darken in response to sunlight are highly recommended for kids and anyone who spends a significant amount of time outdoors.
Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or CK, is another option for correcting hyperopia. Surgery may reduce or eliminate your need to wear glasses or contact lenses.
Investigational procedures involving corneal implants may be a future option for correcting hyperopia.
Myopia (also called nearsightedness) is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40. In recent years, its prevalence is growing at an alarming rate.
Globally, research suggests that in the year 2000, roughly 25 percent of the world’s population was nearsighted but by the year 2050, it’s expected that roughly half the people on the planet will be myopic.
Myopia symptoms
If you are nearsighted, you will have difficulty reading road signs and seeing distant objects clearly, but will be able to see well for close-up tasks such as reading and computer use.
Other signs and symptoms of myopia include squinting, eye strain and headaches. Feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports also can be a symptom of uncorrected nearsightedness.
If you experience these signs or symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see if you need a stronger prescription.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface.
Nearsightedness can also be caused by the cornea and/or lens being too curved for the length of the eyeball. In some cases, myopia occurs due to a combination of these factors.
Myopia typically begins in childhood, and you may have a higher risk if your parents are nearsighted. In most cases, nearsightedness stabilizes in early adulthood but sometimes it continues to progress with age.
Depending on the degree of your myopia, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the time or only when you need very clear distance vision, like when driving, seeing a chalkboard or watching a movie.
Good choices for eyeglass lenses for nearsightedness include high-index lenses (for thinner, lighter glasses) and lenses with anti-reflective coating. Also, consider photochromic lenses to protect your eyes from UV rays and high-energy blue light and to reduce the need for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses outdoors.
If you’re nearsighted, the first number (“sphere”) on your eyeglasses prescription or contact lens prescription will be preceded by a minus sign (–). The higher the number, the more nearsighted you are.
Refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. The most common procedures are performed with an excimer laser.
In PRK the laser removes a layer of corneal tissue, which flattens the cornea and allows light rays to focus more accurately on the retina.
In LASIK — the most common refractive procedure — a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea, a laser removes some corneal tissue, and then the flap is returned to its original position
Myopia (also called nearsightedness) is the most common cause of impaired vision in people under age 40. In recent years, its prevalence is growing at an alarming rate.
Globally, research suggests that in the year 2000, roughly 25 percent of the world’s population was nearsighted but by the year 2050, it’s expected that roughly half the people on the planet will be myopic.
Myopia symptoms
If you are nearsighted, you will have difficulty reading road signs and seeing distant objects clearly, but will be able to see well for close-up tasks such as reading and computer use.
Other signs and symptoms of myopia include squinting, eye strain and headaches. Feeling fatigued when driving or playing sports also can be a symptom of uncorrected nearsightedness.
If you experience these signs or symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses, schedule an eye exam with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to see if you need a stronger prescription.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens of the eye. This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina, rather than directly on its surface.
Nearsightedness can also be caused by the cornea and/or lens being too curved for the length of the eyeball. In some cases, myopia occurs due to a combination of these factors.
Myopia typically begins in childhood, and you may have a higher risk if your parents are nearsighted. In most cases, nearsightedness stabilizes in early adulthood but sometimes it continues to progress with age.
Depending on the degree of your myopia, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the time or only when you need very clear distance vision, like when driving, seeing a chalkboard or watching a movie.
Good choices for eyeglass lenses for nearsightedness include high-index lenses (for thinner, lighter glasses) and lenses with anti-reflective coating. Also, consider photochromic lenses to protect your eyes from UV rays and high-energy blue light and to reduce the need for a separate pair of prescription sunglasses outdoors.
If you’re nearsighted, the first number (“sphere”) on your eyeglasses prescription or contact lens prescription will be preceded by a minus sign (–). The higher the number, the more nearsighted you are.
Refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate your need for glasses or contacts. The most common procedures are performed with an excimer laser.
In PRK the laser removes a layer of corneal tissue, which flattens the cornea and allows light rays to focus more accurately on the retina.
In LASIK — the most common refractive procedure — a thin flap is created on the surface of the cornea, a laser removes some corneal tissue, and then the flap is returned to its original position.
Then there’s orthokeratology a non-surgical procedure where you wear special rigid gas permeable (RGP or GP) contact lenses at night that reshape your cornea while you sleep. When you remove the lenses in the morning, your cornea temporarily retains the new shape, so you can see clearly during the day without glasses or contact lenses.
Orthokeratology and a related GP contact lens procedure called corneal refractive therapy (CRT) have been proven effective at temporarily correcting mild to moderate amounts of myopia. Both procedures are good alternatives to surgery for individuals who are too young for LASIK or are not good candidates for refractive surgery for other reasons.
Implantable lenses known as phakic IOLs another surgical option for correcting nearsightedness, particularly for individuals with high amounts of myopia or thinner-than-normal corneas that could increase their risk of complications from LASIK or other laser vision correction procedures.
Phakic IOLs work like contact lenses, except they are surgically placed within the eye and typically are permanent, which means no maintenance is needed. Unlike IOLs used in cataract surgery, phakic IOLs do not replace the eye’s natural lens, which is left intact.
Controlling myopia
With more people becoming nearsighted, there is a lot of interest in finding ways to control the progression of myopia in childhood.
A number of different techniques have been tried — including fitting children with bifocals, progressive lenses and gas permeable contact lenses. All of these have delivered mixed results.
Recent clinical trials showed that low-dose atropine eye drops could slow myopia progression in school-age children, with significantly fewer side effects compared with higher concentrations.
Some kids, though, don’t respond well to atropine drops.
A dual-focus daily disposable contact lens decreased the progression rate of myopia in children between 8 and 12 years old when compared to a single vision lens, according to a study presented in 2017 at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.
The specially designed multifocal lenses reduced myopia progression by 59 percent at one year, 54 percent at two years and 52 at three years, compared with the myopia progression experienced by children who wore conventional contact lenses.
“There were good correlations between change in refractive error and change in eyeball growth,” said Paul Chamberlain, who presented the research and is senior manager of clinical research at CooperVision.
Degenerative myopia
In most cases, nearsightedness is simply a minor inconvenience and poses little or no risk to the health of the eye. But sometimes myopia can be so progressive and severe it is considered a degenerative condition.
Degenerative myopia (also called malignant or pathological myopia) is a relatively rare condition that is believed to be hereditary and usually begins in early childhood. About 2 percent of Americans are afflicted, and degenerative myopia is a leading cause of legal blindness.
In malignant myopia, the elongation of the eyeball can occur rapidly, leading to a quick and severe progression of myopia and loss of vision. People with this condition have a significantly increased risk of retinal detachment and other degenerative changes in the back of the eye (such as bleeding in the eye from abnormal blood vessel growth).
Degenerative myopia also may increase the risk of cataracts.
See your doctor: If you are having trouble seeing near objects or find you are holding books (or your smartphone) farther away to better make out the words, you should see your eye doctor. Nearsightedness can be treated and in some cases slowed in children.
Notes and References
Dual focus contact reduces myopia progression. Primary Care Optometry News. October 2017.
Global prevalence of myopia and high myopia and temporal trends from 2000 through 2050. Ophthalmology. May 2016.
Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Archives of Ophthalmology. December 2009.
Systemic 7-methylxanthine in retarding axial eye growth and myopia progression: a 36-month pilot study. Journal of Ocular Biology, Diseases, and Informatics. December 2008.
Photodynamic therapy with verteporfin for choroidal neovascularization of pathologic myopia in Japanese patients: comparison with nontreated controls. American Journal of Ophthalmology. March 2008.
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