Myopia

Last Updated: September 19, 2023

Myopia — also known as nearsightedness — is an eye condition characterized by blurry vision when looking at objects at a distance. It can be treated with corrective lenses or surgery (e.g., LASIK). In children, atropine eye drops have shown some potential in slowing myopia progression. However, there is limited research on diet or supplements for treating or preventing myopia.

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What is myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition that causes blurry vision for distant objects while allowing clear vision for nearby objects. This occurs because light entering the eye is not properly refracted, which leads to an image that is focused in front of the retina.

What are the main signs and symptoms of myopia?

The main signs and symptoms of myopia include blurry distance vision, headaches, and eye pain. In children, additional behaviors such as holding books close to their faces and difficulty watching television from a distance may indicate the need for a vision assessment.

How is myopia diagnosed?

Myopia is diagnosed when a person's spherical equivalent is −0.5 diopters or lower and is typically assessed during an eye examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. The examination may include tests such as retinoscopy, autorefractometer, corneal topography, and slit-lamp examination.

What are some of the main medical treatments for myopia?

Myopia can be treated with corrective lenses, surgical options like LASIK, and intraocular lens implants, though not everyone is well suited to surgery. Additionally, atropine eye drops may help prevent myopia in children, but they can cause side effects such as photophobia and cycloplegia.

Have any supplements been studied for myopia?

There is limited research on dietary supplements for treating myopia; some trials have investigated lutein, 7-methylxanthine, crocetin, and anthocyanoside oligomers. However, these supplements have not been sufficiently studied to make any recommendations.

How could diet affect myopia?

Research on the effect of diet on myopia is limited, but one study suggested that a diet rich in whole foods may be associated with a lower risk of myopia in children. More comprehensive studies are needed to clarify the relationship between diet and myopia.

Are there any other treatments for myopia?

Some lens technologies may help slow myopia progression, but further research is necessary. Additionally, encouraging children to spend 2 to 3 hours outdoors daily may reduce the risk of developing myopia.

What causes myopia?

Myopia is primarily caused by the elongation of the eyeball, known as axial myopia, which results in the focal point of light falling in front of the retina. This condition often worsens during childhood and adolescence when the eyes are still developing.

Does near-work activity cause or worsen myopia?

Can myopia lead to other eye problems?

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Update History
2023-09-19 00:30:03

FAQs updated with new literature.

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We added new information to the FAQs on this page based on the latest research.

Written By

Louie Neri

Reviewed By

Nick Milazzo
References
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