What is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects the eye's ability to properly focus light. In a healthy eye, light rays are bent by the cornea and lens, directing them onto the retina at the back of the eye to form a clear image, which is then transmitted to the brain for processing.

In myopia, the eyeball is typically too elongated, or the cornea has excessive curvature, disrupting the eye's focusing mechanism. This causes light rays to converge in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurred vision for distant objects, while near objects remain clear.

The exact cause of myopia is not completely understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

• Genetics:
  Research indicates a strong association between myopia and family history. Children with one or both parents who have myopia are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
• Environment:
  Activities that involve prolonged close-up focus, such as reading or excessive screen time, have been linked to the development of myopia, especially in children. On the other hand, spending more time outdoors appears to have a protective effect.