Understanding the Causes of Myopia Worsening

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that affects millions of people around the world. In this article, we will explore the underlying causes that contribute to the worsening of myopia, focusing on genetic and growth-related factors. Understanding these causes is essential for finding effective ways to manage this condition.

Introduction to Myopia

Myopia is a refractive error that causes difficulties in seeing distant objects clearly. This vision condition is due to the eyeball being too long, leading to light focusing in front of the retina instead of directly on it. While myopia can develop at any age, it often begins or worsens during childhood and adolescence, before stabilizing around the age of 17 to 21 years old.

Growing Pains: Myopia and Growth

One of the most significant factors contributing to myopia worsening is growth and development. Recent studies suggest that myopia is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, with genetic predisposition playing a significant role. Ben Wilkinson FRCSC notes in his article that myopia is often associated with a genetic hereditary condition. As individuals grow taller and faster, their myopia can also progress.

Japan’s Rapid Growth

Japan provides a compelling example of how growth rates can impact myopia prevalence. Before World War I, Japanese people were characterized as small and rarely wore glasses. However, after WWII, the Japanese diet shifted to a more Westernized diet, leading to significant increases in height and myopia. This shift in eating habits contributed to rapid growth, which in turn fueled the progression of myopia.

Associations and Debates

While the connection between myopia and growth is well-established, the exact mechanisms remain a subject of debate. Some researchers propose that the myopia development is intertwined with the growth process itself. The increase in height can exacerbate myopia due to the physical changes in the eye structure.

Management and Treatment

Currently, there is no definitive way to control the growth of the eyes, making myopia untreatable. However, several methods can mitigate its effects and improve vision:

Corrective Measures

Glasses, contact lenses, and orthokeratology can help correct the refractive error caused by myopia. Orthokeratology involves wearing special contact lenses at night, which reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day without the need for contact lenses or glasses.

Refractive surgery, such as LASIK, can also be considered as a long-term solution. During this procedure, the curvature of the cornea is altered to correct the myopia permanently.

Wearing Glasses

Once myopia sets in, it is essential to distinguish between true myopia and pseudomyopia. Pseudomyopia is a condition where the focusing muscles of the eye become fatigued, leading to temporary blurred vision. This condition is easily diagnosed by remeasuring the patient after the use of dilating drops that temporarily paralyze the focusing muscles.

Choosing the appropriate method to manage myopia requires careful consideration. Wearing glasses can help the eyes behave normally, maintaining the natural process of focusing on distant and near objects. When considering whether to wear glasses all the time or not, it is crucial to weigh the potential benefits against any inconvenience.

Conclusion

While the exact reasons for the worsening of myopia remain complex and multifaceted, understanding the role of growth and genetic factors is vital. By recognizing these causes, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their myopia effectively. Whether through medical treatments or lifestyle adjustments, the goal is to maintain clear vision and overall eye health.

Keywords

myopia worsening genetics

Related Terms

floating glasses myopia correction myopia management