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Nearsightedness
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Myopia refers to the ability to see near objects clearly and perfectly, while at the same time there is difficulty perceiving distant objects. It is a common eye condition, affecting 30% of the population in the United States. It is uncommon in infants and preschool children and usually occurs during the school years.
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- One may notice difficulty or progressive blurring while viewing TV and movies, reading chalkboards, and driving (road signs may be blurry).
- The eye may feel strained and tired after looking at a distant object.
- Headache after using the computer
- Children may fail or do poorly at school (difficulty seeing the material on the blackboard).
- Children may hold objects and reading materials close.
- Children may frown and squint while looking at a distant object.
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- Genetics (inherited from your parents) may play a role.
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- History of symptoms and an eye exam by an optometrist or a physician
- Optometrists are not medical doctors, but have training in examining the eyes, and can make glasses and lenses according to the prescription from the ophthalmologist (physician specialist).
- Vision exam -- reading an alphabet chart at various distances is used to establish the degree of myopia.
- An ophthalmoscope (a light source) is used to see inside the eye.
- The doctor may give special eye drops that enlarge the pupils so he can better see the structures inside the eyeball. After the eye drops, vision is usually blurry, and driving is discouraged for 1-4 hours.
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- Excessive and prolonged close-up work
- Family history
- Children or college students who do a lot of reading
- Working with small specimens (lab workers and jewelers)
- Computer users
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- To avoid eyestrain:
- Avoiding strenuous and prolonged periods of close-reading or writing
- Schedule rest period, working with computers.
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses are prescribed for driving, watching movies or TV
- Orthokeratology refers to a non-surgical technique employing a series of specially-designed contact lenses to correct myopia over time.
- Laser surgery -- can correct myopia. Possible side effects include infection, pain, and permanent eye damage.
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Regular eye exams are helpful. They should be conducted every 1-2 years or, in some circumstances, every few months, especially if your child is a preterm infant and he/she has retinopathy of prematurity. If you are considering surgery for your child, call your state's medical board and check the records of the eye surgeon you are planning to use. Ask to speak to some of his/her former patients. For a list of surgeons, call the American Academy of Ophthalmology at 1-415-561-8500.
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