Information Campaign Against MYOPIC EYE

What is myopia?

Myopia is a medical term for shortsightedness. The first sign of the disease is seeing far objects a little bit blurry. The eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too steep, so images are focused in the vitreous inside the eye rather than on the retina at the back of the eye (wikipedia). Most opthalmologists and optometrist would correct the defect by prescribing glasses or contact lenses. It can also be corrected by LASIK, a refractive surgery of the eyes. People with myopic eye have a very high positive refractive power so the lenses prescribed are the negative diopters. Well, diopters is the optical measure of the refractive power of the lens. For more information(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myopia or watch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oYkZRBvLiA ).

Illustration

Here is how they correct myopic eye with a concave lens( Thinner at the middle, thicker at the edges or sides). Concave lens diverge light source in order to focus the image directly in the retina.

Degree
Myopic eye has positive diopters which means too high optical power or high refractive power which can be corrected by negative diopters of concave lenses.

Myopic Severity is classified as:

1. Low myopia usually describes myopia of −3.00 diopters or less ( 300grade or less).

2. Medium myopia usually describes myopia between −3.00 and −6.00 diopters( 300-600grade). Patients are positive with pigment dispersion syndrome or pigmentary glaucoma

3. High myopia usually describes myopia of −6.00 or more(> 600 grade). They are likely to have retinal detachments and primary open angle glaucoma. They may experience floaters, shadow-like shapes which appear singly or in clusters in the field of vision. Thirty percent of myopes have high myopia

Epidemiology:
The prevalence of myopia has been reported as high as 70-90% in some Asian countries, 30-40% in Europe and the United States, and 10-20% in Africa( Source wikipedia).
Well this incidence is highly prevalent in Japanese and Korean people. Japanese are known for their electronic work and highly meticulous and detailed art. Well, Koreans are known for their love of computer games and also for their electronics.
Highly educated people have higher cases of myopia than their counterparts.

Causes:
1. genetic - abnormalities in the PAX6 gene
2. environment - extensive near work( excessive reading, computer games).

Remedies:
For officeworkers:
1. Learn to relax your eyes every 30 mins when working in front of the computer or reading by looking at far away objects.
2. Engage in physical activities like sports ex. jogging religiously.
3. Have a good nutrtion for your eyes.

Comment

I have a low level myopia and I intend to rest my eyes every 30 mins when reading or working in front of the computer. I try to relax my eyes by looking at a far away greeny objects like trees or any plant. I am starting to wear a low positive diopter lens to help my eyes while focusing near objects.

Suggestion

For best advise or opinion, consult your doctor.

Read Bates Method suggesting the use of eye exercise.
For more info(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bates_Method)