Myopia is a common visual problem that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by difficulty in seeing objects at long distances. Below, we will analyze why myopia forms and what factors influence this visual disorder.

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness , is a refractive error that occurs when the eye focuses images in front of the retina. This happens because the eyeball is too long or the cornea is excessively curved. As a result, people with myopia see distant objects blurry, while close objects are sharper.

There are several causes that can contribute to the formation of myopia . Some of the most common ones include:

• Genetics: If one or both parents have myopia, there is a greater chance that their children will also develop it.
• Visual stress: Spending long hours in front of screens, reading in low light conditions or performing tasks that require continuous visual effort can increase the risk.
• Environment and lifestyle: Lack of time outdoors has been associated with a higher incidence of myopia, as natural light appears to have a protective effect.

Myopia often develops during childhood. At this stage, the eye is still developing and more susceptible to external factors. Studies have shown that childhood myopia is on the rise, leading the medical community to look for ways to reduce its incidence. Encouraging outdoor activities and limiting screen time are key recommendations for prevention.

Failure to correct myopia can lead to a number of complications. Some of the consequences include:

• Academic difficulties: Children with undiagnosed myopia may have trouble in school by not being able to see the blackboard clearly.
• Increased risk of eye diseases: High myopia is associated with increased risks of problems such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts.

There are several options available to correct myopia:

• Corrective lenses: Glasses and contact lenses are common and effective methods of correcting myopic vision.
• Refractive surgery: Procedures such as LASIK can help reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses in some cases.

Preventing myopia is not always possible, especially when genetic factors are involved. However, changing certain habits can help reduce the risk of developing or worsening myopia. Here are some recommendations:

• Spend more time outdoors: Exposure to natural light and distance can help slow the progression of myopia.
• Regulate your use of electronic devices: It is recommended to follow the 20-20-20 rule: for every 20 minutes of screen use, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Get regular eye checkups: Seeing an eye health specialist for checkups can help detect any vision problems early.

Myopia is a growing visual problem that affects a large part of the population. Understanding why myopia forms and how to properly manage it is crucial to improving the quality of life of those who suffer from it. Maintaining healthy habits and undergoing regular eye check-ups are key steps in preventing and treating this common condition.