myopia

What does short-sightedness mean?‍

Short-sightedness or myopia is the most common type of defective vision and affects approximately 40% of the population, and the trend is rising. Short-sightedness is inherited on the one hand and reinforced by increasing close work (smartphone, tablet, computer) in childhood on the other. This development can be slowed down with certain measures as part of myopia control.

The short-sighted eye is typically longer than the normal-sighted eye, meaning that light rays from afar are focused in front of the retina rather than on the retina. Vision therefore becomes more and more blurry as the distance increases. In this case, the focal point or focus of the light rays that fall into the eye is in front of the retina. Nearby objects can still be seen sharply, but visual acuity decreases as the distance increases.

How can myopia be corrected?

Short-sightedness can be corrected with contact lenses or glasses. So-called stray lenses (minus lenses) are used; the greater the myopia, the higher the number of diopters.

Example: Someone who sees sharply with both eyes from the tip of his nose up to a distance of 40 cm and sees ever more blurred further away needs a stray lens of -2.5 diopters to correct his short-sightedness.
The physical formula is:
D (refractive power) = 1/f (focal length)

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Short-sightedness can also be permanently corrected with a short procedure, which either slightly flattens the cornea or implants an artificial stray lens.

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What do short-sighted people need to pay particular attention to?

• Progressive short-sightedness (progressive myopia) in childhood can be slowed down
  • myopia control
• Short-sighted eyes have grown longer than normal-sighted eyes, which is why, among other things, the retina is thinner and more susceptible to breaking or detaching
  • Annual check-ups by an ophthalmologist are indicated for short-sightedness of -6 diopters
• Short-sighted people must present themselves to an ophthalmologist promptly if any of the following symptoms occur suddenly:
  • seeing strobe lights
  • suspended particles
  • rain of soot
  • shadows

Does myopia get worse over time?

As a rule, short-sightedness begins during adolescence and increases slightly until the beginning of the twenties, after which the eyeglass values change only very little. Eye lasers or other refractive procedures should therefore only be performed as soon as the eyeglass values are stable.