Worldwide, many people constantly deal with vision issues. The most common are refractive errors comprising three types, but one, Myopia, is much more prevalent than the others. It is so prevalent that some experts consider it an epidemic since the numbers are only growing.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, about 28 percent of the world had myopia in 2010. The number is due to reach 50 percent in 2050. Those are some incredible and terrifying facts. Over the years, much effort has gone into studying the disorder. Researchers still need to understand it in its entirety, but they have a good grasp of most of its nature.

What Is Myopia?

Are you struggling to read signs in the aisles? Do road signs look blurry before you get up close? Do you have a problem seeing clearly when watching a movie from the back? If so, you likely have myopia. Myopia is more commonly known as nearsightedness, a more descriptive title for the condition. Simply put, myopia is a refractive error that causes difficulty focusing on objects in the distance. 

What Causes Myopia?

Researchers, scientists, and eye doctors still do not know what exactly causes myopia. However, they clearly understand what the hidden factors myopia causes—the eyeball elongates and bulges outwards.

The bulging and elongated eyeball cannot focus light correctly. Instead of light focusing on the retina at the back of the eye, it focuses on the space before it. This incongruency is what leads to blurry eyesight.

Types of Myopia

Like any complex condition, myopia involves form variations. 

Simple Myopia

The eye is generally healthy in this form, allowing you to correct vision with eyeglasses or contact lenses. 

High Myopia

High myopia is a severe form of the condition. It develops when someone is younger, worsening as they get older. The main issue with high myopia is that it predisposes you to develop other severe eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal detachment.

Pathological Myopia

When you have this form of myopia, other issues will develop. Most patients experience problems with their retina, like lattice degeneration, retinal atrophy, and Forster-Fuchs spot. Also, correcting your vision with glasses or contacts is not always possible. 

What Are the Risk Factors of Myopia?

Genetics

The tendency to develop myopia is hereditary. Your likelihood of becoming nearsighted is higher if one of your parents is. If both parents are myopic, the chance is increased.

Long Hours On Up-close Activity 

Researchers have found that spending so much time doing close-up work is common in people who develop the condition.

Excessive Screen Time

According to studies, when children spend a lot of time using digital devices, they are likely to become myopic.

The Environment

According to several studies, children spending time outdoors do not develop the condition. The reverse has also been found to be accurate: less outdoor time led to higher cases of myopia.
 

For more on the risk factors of myopia, call Clarity Vision Clayton at  (919) 550-4801 to discuss symptoms, questions or to book an appointment today.