What to Know About Myopia: Causes, Complications and Natural Remedies

Myopia is a common vision condition characterised by blurred vision of distant objects but distinct vision of nearby objects. The incorrect refraction of light causes myopia due to the abnormal shape of the eye, which causes light to focus before the retina instead of at the retina.

Myopia can develop quickly or slowly and is frequently inherited. A comprehensive eye examination is the best method to determine if you are experiencing myopia. 

Numerous children can develop myopia at a young age, negatively impacting their quality of life and learning capacity. In addition, myopia can increase your child’s risk of developing eye diseases such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration; therefore, you should consider examining your child for refractive errors. 

Causes

Myopia is a refractive defect, which means that light does not properly refract through the cornea or lens, causing the light to focus elsewhere than on the retina. You will experience a refractive error if your cornea or lens is not smoothly and uniformly curved. You are nearsighted when your ocular is longer than average or your cornea is excessively curved.

Complications

Myopia can cause complications ranging from mild to severe severity. The following complications may arise as a result of myopia:

  • Reduced quality of life – those with myopia may find it more difficult to execute daily tasks.
  • Myopia can cause eyestrain because of straining and overuse of the eyes.
  • Impaired safety – driving and operating apparatus become hazardous if myopia is not correctly treated.
  • Financial burden – correcting myopia requires purchasing corrective lenses or undergoing costly surgery.
  • Myopia increases the likelihood of developing retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic degeneration.

Natural Remedies for Myopia

There is no universal myopia correction methods. The most effective remedies for myopia are corrective lenses or surgery, but some natural treatments can help delay the progression of myopia.

  1. Increase the Amount of Time You Spend Outdoors

Spending more time outdoors during adolescence and early adulthood may reduce the cumulative incidence of myopia. This may result from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation altering the molecular structure of the sclera and cornea, thereby maintaining their normal shape.

  1. Shield Your Eyes from Sunlight

If you spend a great deal of time outdoors, wearing sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation and delay the progression of myopia.

  1. Consume Healthy Foods

Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and verdant leaves. Tuna and salmon, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are beneficial for the eyes.

  1. Minimise Eyestrain 

Myopia progression can be slowed by taking pauses from screen use and allowing your eyes to receive adequate rest.

  1. Don’t Smoke

Smoking has numerous negative effects, including a negative impact on your and others’ eyesight. To delay the progression of myopia, avoid smoking.