Myopia Causes - What Is Responsible For Myopic Eyes

What are the most important myopia causes? Can you just get myopia or are you "born" with it?

In today's society, it's common to see children and adults wearing eyeglasses or stashing contact lens solution in a desk drawer.

Myopia, more commonly known as near- or shortsightedness, is a common eye ailment. This condition occurs when the eyeball is elongated.

Heredity plays a big part in myopia. Chances are, if one of your parents is nearsighted, you will be, as well.

And if both your parents are near sighted, there's even more of a chance you will be. However, genetics isn't the only myopia cause.

Children and adults alike spend more time indoors doing activities like watching television or staring at a computer screen.

When you spend a great deal of time focusing on objects close up, your eye begins to compensate by elongating so it doesn't have to work as hard to focus.

It's not only electronics that can lead to myopia, though. Any time you focus on something close up for a long period of time, your eyes can be affected.

Working with things that are small, like sewing or building models, for example, can increase nearsightedness.

Since heredity is often a myopia cause, some of it is out of your control. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to help prevent nearsightedness from progressing too quickly, and help keep your eyes as healthy as possible.

What You Can Do Yourself

• Of course one important habit is to see your eye doctor regularly. By having regular eye exams, your eye doctor can make sure your eyeglass or contact lens prescription is accurate, and it's more likely that any problems that arise can be caught early and treated right away.

• When you're focusing on something near, like your computer screen, don't forget to take breaks for your eyes.

  You're often told you should take breaks to stretch your back and legs, or give your wrists a break from typing. Well, your eyes need breaks, too! Take some time to rest your eyes and focus on objects that are further away, then you can get back to work.

  
• You should also take breaks if you feel your eyes getting tired. People with myopia are sensitive to eyestrain and fatigue, making it even more important to listen to the cues your eyes give you for when they need to rest.

• You can try doing some eye exercises. They will help your eye muscles remain strong.

• Another tip is to resist the urge to hunch. When you're focusing on objects near you, or working with small things, it can be tempting to lean in to be able to see better. Unfortunately, this can make your eyes worse.

  If you find yourself needing to bring things closer to be able to see them clearly, it's definitely time to visit your eye doctor and have your prescription checked.

• It is also very important that you spend more time outdoors. This will improve your physical condition in general and is particular good for myopic eyes.

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is common, but by taking care of your eyes and making a few small lifestyle changes, you can help keep your myopia from getting worse, and can keep your eyes healthy.



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