Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Here are some key points about myopia:

• Symptoms: Individuals with myopia typically experience difficulty seeing objects at a distance, such as road signs or classroom boards, while having no trouble with close-up tasks like reading or using digital devices.

• Causes: Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Genetic factors and environmental influences, such as excessive near work or lack of outdoor activities, can contribute to its development.

• Progression: Myopia often develops during childhood and adolescence, worsening as the eyes continue to grow. High myopia (severe nearsightedness) is associated with an increased risk of eye complications like retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma.

• Treatment: Correction for myopia typically involves prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses to improve distance vision. Other treatment options include orthokeratology (corneal reshaping lenses), multifocal contact lenses, and refractive surgery (such as LASIK or PRK) to reduce dependence on corrective lenses.

• Prevention: While myopia cannot always be prevented, measures such as encouraging outdoor activities, minimizing prolonged near work, taking regular breaks to rest the eyes, and ensuring proper lighting and ergonomics for close-up tasks may help reduce the risk of myopia progression, particularly in children. Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of myopia.