nearsightedness (myopia)
nearsightedness (myopia)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :
1. Can myopia be cured permanently?
While myopia cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with glasses, contact lenses, or corrective surgery like LASIK or SMILE.
2. At what age does myopia typically start?
Myopia commonly develops in childhood and can worsen during adolescence. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing its progression.
3. What is the best treatment for myopia?
The best treatment depends on your specific case. Glasses and contact lenses are common, but if you are a good candidate for surgery, LASIK or SMILE can provide permanent correction.
About Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Nearsightedness, also known as Myopia, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry, but nearby objects are seen clearly. Myopia occurs when the eye shape causes light rays to bend (refract) incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina instead of on it.
This condition is growing more common worldwide, especially among younger populations, due to increased screen time and less outdoor activity. However, myopia is manageable with various treatment options, from glasses to advanced corrective surgeries.
Causes of Nearsightedness (Myopia)
There are several contributing factors to the development of Myopia:
- Genetics: If one or both parents are nearsighted, there is a higher chance of developing myopia.
- Environmental Factors: Increased near work (like reading or screen use) and limited time spent outdoors are believed to contribute to myopia development.
- Eye Shape: Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing correctly on the retina.
Types of Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Myopia can be classified into different types based on severity:
- Low Myopia: Mild nearsightedness where distant objects are only slightly blurry.
- Moderate Myopia: Greater difficulty in seeing distant objects, requiring glasses or contacts for most activities.
- High Myopia: A severe form of nearsightedness that can increase the risk of eye complications like cataracts, retinal detachment, and glaucoma.
- Pathological (Degenerative) Myopia: A rare, progressive form that worsens over time and may cause serious vision problems.
Symptoms of Nearsightedness (Myopia)
The most common symptoms of myopia include:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects
- Squinting to see better
- Eye strain or headaches
- Difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night (night myopia)
- Children might exhibit signs like sitting too close to the TV, struggling in school, or holding books very close while reading.
Diagnosis of Nearsightedness (Myopia)
A comprehensive eye exam by an ophthalmologist like Dr. Suraj Munjal can accurately diagnose myopia. The examination includes:
- Visual acuity test: Measures how clearly you can see at different distances.
- Refraction assessment: Determines the degree of myopia and whether corrective lenses are needed.
- Ophthalmoscopy: Allows a detailed look at the retina to check for any eye health issues related to high myopia.
Treatment Options for Nearsightedness (Myopia)
There are several effective ways to treat and manage myopia, depending on the severity and patient preferences:
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Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses: The simplest and most common treatment for correcting blurry distance vision.
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Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special rigid contact lenses worn at night to reshape the cornea and temporarily correct myopia for daytime use without glasses or contacts.
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Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK, SMILE, PRK): These procedures reshape the cornea to correct refractive errors and permanently improve vision. Dr. Suraj Munjal specializes in these advanced treatments.
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Implantable Contact Lenses (ICL): An alternative for people with high myopia or those not suitable for LASIK, where lenses are implanted inside the eye.
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Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine drops are sometimes prescribed to slow the progression of myopia in children.
Cost of Myopia Treatment and Stay in India
India is a popular destination for affordable and high-quality eye care. Dr. Suraj Munjal offers advanced treatments for myopia, including LASIK and SMILE, at competitive prices.
- LASIK: ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 ($450 – $800)
- SMILE: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 ($800 – $1,300)
- ICL Surgery: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,50,000 ($1,300 – $2,000)