Myopia or short-sightedness is a type of refractive error where parallell rays of light coming frfom infinity are focused in front nof the retina when accommodation is at rest. Beacuse of this, the individual can only see objects that are close to him/her but not objects that are far away.
TYPES OF MYOPIA
- Congenital Myopia; This is present from birth and is usually diagnosed by 2-3 years.
- Developmental Myopia: This is usually present during the school going age and it’s sharpest rise occurs between 8-12 years. It is nicknamed ‘school myopia‘. It is not associated with any disease. Major causes include diet, genetics and some researchers claim excessive near work, like reading may aggravate it.
SYMPTOMS
- Poor vision at far
- The child may half-shut the eyelids in order to achieve greater clarity.
- Tiredness of the eyes
- Drowsiness
Upon examination and diagnosis of myopia by the optometrist, minus lenses are prescribed.