10 Facts About Myopia You Must Know Coz You Might Still Develop It When You’re an Adult

Last Updated on 2023-03-31 , 7:26 pm

When I was younger, I used to think that wearing spectacles was cool. It makes the models plastered on the doors of optical shops look so smart!

So you could guess, I was pretty hyped when I found out that I finally got the chance to be like the rest at age 10.

Sometimes I wish I could turn back time and slap myself.

As I grow older, I put in a lot more effort to protect my eyes because I have grown to hate (understatement) wearing spectacles.

If you’re just like me, here are ten facts about myopia you probably should know.

What is myopia

Myopia, nearsightedness…whatever you call it.

It happens when the eye grows too far out, from front to back.

So instead of focusing images on the retina, the lens of the eye concentrates on the image in front of it.

Hence, people with myopia have perfect near vision but have poor distance vision.

It can also be caused by a cornea that is too curved for the length of the eyeball, or a lens that’s too thick.

Develop while young

Myopia typically develops while you’re young, till around 20 years old.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have myopia after you turn 21. It can still develop in adults due to visual stress or certain health conditions.

Continue using your phone in the dark lah, see what happens.

Hereditary

It is hereditary but not like a confirm-plus-chop kinda thing.

If your parents are short-sighted, you’ll probably have higher chances of being so as well.

Myopia is caused by both genetic and environmental factors.

Treatment

Other than wearing spectacles, shortsightedness can also be corrected with contact lenses and refractive surgery (eg LASIK).

It all depends on your needs and preferences.

Eating carrots

I’m sure we’ve all heard of the ‘myth’ that eating carrots help to improve our eyesight.

Think it’s a myth? Think again.

It has been proven that under certain conditions, eating carrots does improve eyesight!

Carrots give you Vitamin A. This is essential in helping the eye convert light into a signal, which is then transmitted to the brain.

This is what helps you see when there’s low light.

In addition, the cornea can literally disappear if the body does not get enough vitamin A.

So eat your carrots (or pumpkins), people!

Other foods

According to the Institute for Control of Eye Myopia in children, these foods are good for keeping myopia in check:

Deep-water fish, leafy green vegetables, eggs and carrots, berries and citrus fruits, nuts and beef.

If you would like to read on, click here.

No specific diet

If you’re desperate to improve your eyesight, dieting on carrots three meals a day is not gonna help much.

Once you have enough beta-carotene (what you get from carrots) in your body, it often will no longer convert to vitamin A.

The body naturally regulates against the excess vitamin A to prevent toxic accumulation.

Hence, taking vitamin A supplements will do a much better job.

Also, most causes of eye problems (genetics, aging, diabetes etc) cannot be eradicated simply by taking in more beta-carotene.

In short, everything should be taken in moderation.

Outdoor time

Studies show that spending time outdoors can slow down the growth of myopia in those who are already myopic.

Next time you’re feeling lazy, do something for your eyes and your health!

Worsening eyesight

Many people find themselves having to change spectacles once every few years. You might think that worsening eyesight is a natural process, but you’re wrong.

This will only happen when the spectacles that you’re already wearing is not fit for your eyes.

When the optician gives you a pair of spectacles, it is meant to fit your condition and not worsen it.

So if you find yourself investing heavily in it, it’s probably something to do with your eye habits or you’re still young and developing.

On the other hand, there are several cases of severe myopia. These are considered to be a degenerative condition.

Also called malignant or pathological myopia, it is a rare hereditary condition that often shows since childhood.

It may lead to blindness.

Wear or not?

For those of you who are just mildly shortsighted (can still see without spectacles), it is recommended that you wear it.

After all, spectacles are meant to correct your eyesight and to maintain the balance between adapting and focusing when you take it off/put it on.