What is myopia?

Being nearsighted means you can't see distant objects clearly. The further away an object is, the harder it is to focus on it. The term nearsightedness refers to the ability to see objects up close clearly. Nearsightedness is also called myopia and is the opposite of farsightednessWhen you are nearsighted you have a minus prescription, for example -2.75, and when you are farsighted you have a plus prescription, for example +2.75.

Symptoms of myopia

• People who are nearsighted cannot see objects that are far away clearly. This often manifests itself while driving, playing sports, or in the classroom.

• In addition to blurred vision, myopia often leads to headaches and tired eyes.

What causes myopia?

Myopia has 2 different causes:

• An eye that is too long. This means that the distance between the front of the eye (cornea) and the back of the eye (retina) is too great. As a result, light rays converge in front of the retina. Another name for this form of nearsightedness is axial myopia.

• An overly convex cornea or lens. Because light rays are refracted too much, they converge in front of the retina. Another name for this form of nearsightedness is refractive myopia.

Because the focus of the light rays converges in front of the retina, this leads to blurred vision.

Is myopia hereditary?

Myopia can be hereditary. For example, children of nearsighted parents are often also nearsighted. However, research shows that myopia can be highly dependent on lifestyle. For example, frequent and intensive reading or looking at a screen contributes to the development of myopia, especially in (young) children. Fortunately, there are numerous vision solutions for people who are nearsighted, for example contact lenses, An glasses or a laser treatment.

We are here for you

Do you also regularly have to squint to see clearly from a distance? Then you might be nearsighted. Schedule an appointment at one of our stores for an eye test.

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