Nearsightedness, also called nearsightedness, is an eye condition in which people have difficulty seeing objects that are far away from them. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Siddharth Kesarwani, Ophthalmologist at JNR Children’s Eye Care & Swint Clinic, Borivali West, said, “Myopia is a growing vision problem that usually affects primary school age children, often due to modern lifestyle factors and the influence of the environment.”
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However, myopia is not specific to a certain age. From young children to the elderly, nearsightedness affects everyone’s vision. Scroll down to learn the causes, symptoms to look out for, and eye exercises that can improve your eye health.
Causes of myopia:
Genetics: Individuals with one or both parents who are nearsighted are at greater risk than others.
A long time at work: Activities such as reading, writing, or excessive screen time can affect the growth of various components of the eye, making it nearsighted in adulthood.
Absence of external influence: Insufficient exposure to the fresh air was closely related to the occurrence of myopia.
Environmental factors: Poor lighting and poor posture while performing tasks can worsen the condition. The development of myopia also contributes to insufficient exposure to daylight.
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Myopia symptoms to look out for:
Blurred vision of distant objects: Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, while close-up vision remains unchanged.
Frequent squinting: Attempting to improve focus on distant objects by repeatedly squinting.
Eye strain or fatigue: Discomfort can be manifested by watery eyes, sore eyes, headaches and a general feeling of tiredness.
Poor academic performance in children: Difficulty seeing the blackboard or whiteboard can lead to reduced participation in class.
Preventive measures:
Rest in nature: Encourage children and adults to spend time outside, as natural light helps support healthy eye development.
Ergonomic practices: Maintain appropriate distance and posture when using digital devices or reading. Reducing time spent using hand-held gadgets such as smartphones, tabs, and gaming devices, along with limiting excessive reading, has been found to be an effective intervention.
Routine eye examinations: Early detection and correction with regular eye exams can mitigate progression.
Healthy foodComment : Include foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids to support eye health.
READ ALSO: Do not ignore the first signs of myopia in a child
Eye exercises that we can do at home:
Switch focus: Switch focus between near and far subject for increased flexibility.
Roll your eyes: Gently roll your eyes clockwise and counterclockwise to relax your eye muscles.
Blink practice: Consciously blink while using the screen to prevent dry eyes.
Palm massage: Gently cover your closed eyes with your palms to relax your eye muscles.
Figure eight: Visualize and circle a horizontal figure eight to improve coordination and reduce stress.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health concerns.
