Blurred optical focal point in the visual organ
Nearsightedness, also called myopia, describes the optical growth state of an imperfect eye, whereby the image focus is located in front of the retina instead of on the retina. With farsightedness, or hyperopia, it is exactly the opposite.
Development of myopia
Myopia occurs when the eyeball has either grown too long or the lens in the eye is too strong. Eyes that are too long are congenital and will become more common in the coming years due to work on electronic media. This visual defect occurs in about 25% of the population worldwide.
A lens that is too strong can either be congenital or, at an advanced age, it can mean a disease if the person has never been nearsighted before. In this case, a prompt visit to an ophthalmologist is mandatory to rule out blindness.
Myopia prevention
The advantage of myopia is that people can read without glasses until old age, unless this is prevented by other diseases or degeneration. The development of myopia cannot be avoided because it is mostly genetically caused. The use of eye drops in childhood is not well accepted because of the questionable result. I also cannot recommend wearing chemical contact lenses that are left in overnight because of increased risks of infection. In other words, there are no preventive measures against myopia. Glasses, contact lenses or laser treatments are the only established solutions.
Risks associated with myopia
Unfortunately, myopia is associated with some significant health risks, which can be successfully alleviated with prevention.
The above-mentioned growth in length causes tensile forces in the eye because the retina is stretched over a larger area. Consequences of this are retinal diseases, which can be silent, acute or even an emergency. I therefore advise myopic people to have regular retinal check-ups, the only way to detect and treat any retinal diseases at an early stage. There is also a greater risk of high eye pressure (glaucoma) in this patient group.
I will be happy to advise you on all aspects of myopia at our practice in Zurich. Together we will find out if you suffer from myopia and if you already have optimal care. Click here to make an appointment. We are your competent ophthalmologist in Zurich and look forward to your visit.