Myopia

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a condition affecting the eyes where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are seen clearly. It occurs when the eye is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This affects the ability to see faraway things clearly, which can impact daily activities like driving or watching movies. The condition involves the visual system and is one of the most common causes of impaired vision worldwide. People with myopia often need corrective lenses such as glasses or contact lenses to improve their distance vision. It typically develops in childhood and can progress over time. Regular eye exams are important to monitor changes in vision.

Myopia is a refractive error characterized by the axial elongation of the eyeball or increased corneal curvature, resulting in light rays focusing anterior to the retina. This leads to impaired distance vision while near vision remains relatively preserved. The condition is caused by a mismatch between the optical power of the eye and its axial length, often influenced by genetic and environmental factors. It is clinically significant due to its high prevalence and potential to cause visual impairment and increase the risk of complications such as retinal detachment and glaucoma. Diagnosis is based on refractive assessment demonstrating a spherical equivalent of less than -0.50 diopters. The degree of myopia can range from mild to high, with higher degrees associated with greater risk of ocular pathology. Understanding the pathophysiology of myopia is essential for appropriate management and prevention of progression.