Nearsightedness is a common vision problem that makes it difficult to read small print, select messages on the phone, or thread a needle. This condition, which has different forms in the medical world such as “presbyopia” and “hyperopia,” occurs when the focusing ability of the eye lens decreases. It usually becomes apparent after the age of forty; however, genetic predisposition, a screen-heavy lifestyle, and inadequate lighting conditions can affect nearsightedness at an earlier stage. Although nearsightedness reduces the quality of life, it can be managed with treatment options such as choosing the right glasses, contact lenses, and laser surgery.
What is Nearsightedness?
Nearsightedness is the inability to clearly see text at a close distance, which is mostly examined under the titles of presbyopia or hypersightedness in the medical literature. In its simplest definition, it occurs when the eye lens does not increase the refractive power required to focus on nearsightedness sufficiently. At a young age, the lens changes shape easily thanks to the flexible fibers inside it and the circular muscles that shape it; thus, light beams fall directly on the retina while reading the book in your hand. As we age, the lens hardens, and even if the muscles exert the same power, the lens cannot bend and thicken; the light beam focuses behind the retina and close objects are perceived as blurry.
Nearsightedness is not only an inevitable result of natural aging. Genetic predisposition, looking at digital screens for long hours, reading habits in inadequate lighting and constantly straining the eye muscles also bring lens fatigue earlier. Some medications used for diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases can affect the metabolism of the eye lens and reduce the power of close focusing. Habits that disrupt vascular health, such as smoking and alcohol, also accelerate the process by negatively affecting intraocular nutrition.
Nearsightedness is initially noticed with the reflex of “holding the phone at arm’s length”; however, symptoms such as seeking stronger lighting to select small print, headaches and easy eye fatigue are added over time. As the problem progresses, tasks that require fine detail such as reading a book in the evening, sewing and writing prescriptions become increasingly difficult. When the diagnosis and treatment of nearsightedness are delayed, the person may encounter secondary problems such as making mistakes in daily tasks or decreasing work efficiency. Early eye examination, correctly focused glasses or appropriate treatment options can restore near vision comfort.
What Causes Nearsightedness?
There is no single answer to the question of what causes nearsightedness; however, the process is based on the natural lens in the eye losing its flexibility. During childhood and adolescence, the lens easily thickens and thins thanks to its gel-like structure; thus, a text at a close distance falls clearly on the retina. As we age, the lens protein loses water, its fibers harden and cannot achieve the same thickening. When the focal point shifts behind the retina, nearby texts become blurry.
Although the most common answer to the question of what causes nearsightedness is “aging”, genetic inheritance can affect the early onset. The lens of individuals with a family history of hyperopia may be prone to losing its flexibility even before the age of forty. The digital screen habit that keeps the eye muscles constantly in close focus also accelerates the process. When looking at a phone, tablet or computer for a long time, the number of blinks decreases; since the lens muscles work continuously, they get tired over time and their adaptation capacity decreases.
Another answer to the question of what causes nearsightedness is systemic diseases and the medications used in their treatment. Some medications for diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and rheumatic diseases can affect the nutrition of the lens and increase hardening. In addition, habits that disrupt vascular health, such as smoking and alcohol, prevent sufficient oxygen from reaching the intraocular tissues; this causes the lens to not maintain its elastic structure.
The final trigger for those who say that nearsightedness causes nearsightedness is the culture of working under inadequate lighting. In low light, the pupil of the eye dilates, putting additional load on the lens to collect more light. This extra effort paves the way for the lens fibers to tire prematurely and for the symptoms of presbyopia to be felt early. Therefore, a balanced diet, the correct screen distance, regular blinking exercises and appropriate lighting are of great importance in order to maintain healthy lens flexibility.
Symptoms of Farsightedness
Farsightedness is a condition that makes daily tasks such as reading a book, doing handicrafts or selecting small text on the phone imperceptibly difficult. Since the symptoms develop slowly, most people may ignore the complaints for a long time, attributing the first signals to eye strain.
• The habit of holding a book or phone at full arm’s length to clarify short texts
• Looking for bright light when reading menus, labels or prescriptions in dimly lit environments
• Increased eye strain and stinging sensation when working at close focus for long periods of time
• Headaches in the form of pressure in the forehead, temple or around the eyes after trying to focus close up
• Texts on the phone screen