Myopia, also known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness, causes distant objects to appear blurry or out of focus.

Myopia affects 1406 million people worldwide and is the most common refractive error among children and young adults.

Myth 1:

Myopia affects children only.

Fact:

Near-sightedness may frequently develop in children. However, it is also possible for this condition to develop during the adult years.

Eye examinations for children are recommended to identify the early signs of blurry vision. They are vital to rule out blurry vision due to any eye defect.

The blurry vision may also be due to eyestrain or vision dysfunction. To correct this, vision therapy or reading/computer glasses might be prescribed to clear the vision without needing any distance glasses for permanent use.

Myth 2:

Wearing contact lenses or eyeglasses can make Myopia worse.

Fact:

Wearing prescription contact lenses and eyeglasses do not worsen Myopia. The use of corrective glasses can help you see clearly with a normal vision.

There are several types of optical lenses that can be prescribed by your eye doctor to help you manage the progression of Myopia. Schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor to find out which type of lens can help manage the progression of Myopia.

Myth 3:

Taking vitamins and curing Myopia

Fact:

Vitamins have been proven to reduce the progression of some eye conditions such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

All vitamins and supplements should only be taken under the advice of a healthcare professional.

Myth 4:

Vision therapy does not help to control progressive Myopia.

Fact:

Vision therapy can help with progressive Myopia.

People having reduced focusing skills are at a greater risk of developing progressive Myopia. Vision therapy is effective for people who have developed Myopia due to poor eye focusing skills rather than the shape of the eye.

Visual therapy improves the brain-eye connection and allows develop normal coordination and teamwork between the two eyes.

Myth 5:

There is no way to slow down the progression of Myopia.

Fact:

There are various ways to slow down the progression of Myopia.

Evidence-based treatment of Myopia slows down the progression of Myopia as well as prevents serious and life-threatening outcomes such as loss of vision.

Spending more time outdoors in the sunlight can slow down the progression of Myopia among children. While doing close work such as studying, reading, and spending an excessive amount of time on screen, children can take frequent breaks, and focusing on objects farther away can help.

Myth 6:

Myopia is only nearsightedness and nothing to be concerned with.

Fact:

Myopia is an epidemic. Pediatric-onset Myopia is a major threat to good ocular health in children around the world.

Myth 7:

There is no way to find out whether my child is myopic.

Fact:

There are various genetic and environmental factors associated with the development of Myopia. Children with myopic parents have a greater risk of becoming myopic themselves. While these risk factors are known, you can get a routine assessment for your child to know if he/she has developed Myopia.

Regular eye examinations are essential for early detection, prevention, or reducing the progression of Myopia in children as well as adults.