Article

Nearsightedness (Myopia): Symptoms, Prevention, Treatment & Care

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up objects remain clear. This happens when light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making it difficult to see faraway objects clearly.

Common Symptoms of Myopia

If you experience the following signs, you might have myopia:

  • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects, like whiteboards or road signs

  • Frequently squinting to see more clearly

  • Headaches caused by eye strain

  • Difficulty seeing clearly when driving at night

If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t delay an eye exam. Early detection helps prevent your prescription from worsening and supports long-term eye health.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors:

  • If one or both parents have myopia, there’s a higher chance their children will also develop it.

  • Modern lifestyle habits—such as prolonged screen time, excessive reading up close, and limited exposure to natural sunlight—can accelerate the progression of myopia, especially in children and teenagers.

Easy Tips to Prevent Myopia

While myopia can’t always be avoided, its progression can be slowed with simple daily habits:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This reduces eye strain.

  • Spend more time outdoors: Natural sunlight plays a key role in healthy eye development and can help slow the progression of myopia.

  • Maintain proper reading distance: Avoid reading or using gadgets too close to your eyes or for extended periods without rest.

  • Schedule regular eye exams: Especially important for school-aged children to monitor visual development and catch early signs of myopia.

How to Treat Nearsightedness

Treatment options for myopia vary depending on your lifestyle and visual needs:

  • Eyeglasses or contact lenses: The most common and convenient method for correcting myopia.

  • Vision therapy: Eye exercises designed to strengthen visual skills, especially effective for children.

  • Refractive surgery: Advanced laser procedures like SMILE Pro and LASIK offer a more permanent solution to reduce or eliminate dependency on glasses or contacts.

SMILE Pro is a minimally invasive laser technique that offers high comfort and rapid recovery.
LASIK is a well-established method known for its accuracy and long-term effectiveness.

When Should You See an Eye Doctor?

You should schedule an eye exam if:

  • Your vision is interfering with daily activities

  • Your nearsightedness is getting worse

  • You’re considering refractive surgery like SMILE Pro or LASIK

A comprehensive eye check-up helps determine the best treatment plan and whether you’re eligible for corrective procedures.

Ready to Take Care of Your Vision?

Contact Mayapada Eye Centre at +62 811-8858-088 or visit mayapadaeyecentre.com.
Click “Consult Now” to book your appointment with our professional eye care team.

Let us help you take the first step toward clearer vision and a better quality of life.

Consult Now