Have you been squinting your eyes while looking at laptop screens or having difficulty reading road signs? If you have ever wondered whether you need glasses, you are not alone. It is more prevalent in school-going children and is usually diagnosed before the age of 20.
Vision decline does not happen overnight and takes place at a gradual pace. To prevent long-term damage caused by myopia, you must learn the early signs of myopia.
We spoke to our expert Dr Achal Singhal, DNB Ophthalmology, a 2nd-year resident doctor, who explained myopia and its early signs that shouldn't be ignored.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia or nearsightedness is an eye ailment that makes it challenging to see distant objects well. Nearsightedness results from the eyeball being too long or the cornea being too curved. This results in blurry images of distant objects as the light entering the eye is not focused correctly. It is increasing rapidly due to the excessive usage of electronic gadgets, reading too often, or doing other work that puts strain on your eyes. Myopia can be detected with a simple eye exam and be corrected with spectacles, contact lenses, or surgery.
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5 Early Signs Of Myopia
Headaches
One of the most prevalent signs of myopia is a headache. Nearsighted people typically experience headaches due to the blurred vision and squinting they do to try to see better. Make an appointment with a nearby eye doctor to examine your eyes to establish whether the headaches you experience are caused by myopia.
Rubbing Eyes
Do you often find yourself rubbing your eyes? It is one of the common symptoms of early development of nearsightedness. However, it may also be due to eye infection, eye strain, or fatigue. Therefore, it is better to consult an ophthalmologist to find out if the reason for rubbing your eyes is myopia. Remember not to rub your eyes as it can worsen your eye condition, transfer the infection, and cause long-term damage to your eyes.
Squinting
People who have trouble seeing far-away objects tend to squint their eyes to see clearly. You can quickly improve your degree of focus by squinting since the pupil contracts and lets in less light. Squinting also alters the eye's curvature, which aids in sharpening your focus.
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Eye Strain
You may develop strain or fatigue in your eyes when you use them excessively. It can cause discomfort and affect your daily activities. Visit an eye expert to determine if the eye strain is due to myopia.
Excessive Watering Of The Eyes
You may have watery eyes as a result of myopia. It may also be due to irritation or allergies. However, if it persists for an extended time, it can be a sign of myopia.
Takeaway
The development of myopia may be slowed or stopped if your child does not inherit it. You should reduce screen time, engage in outdoor activities, and eat foods that promote eye health. Moreover, it is possible for certain conditions, such as diabetes, to increase your risk of nearsightedness or to exacerbate your condition if you already have it. Do not prolong examination with an ophthalmologist in case of myopia, as long-term unchecked myopia can completely disrupt the retina and cause aggravated vision problems.
