Myopia, or short-sightedness, affects many people around the world. It’s a common vision disorder that causes people to have difficulty seeing objects in the distance and can even cause headaches and other health risks. Thankfully, there are several lenses available to help correct myopia and improve your vision. Let’s discuss the different types of lenses used for myopia and what you should know about them before making a decision on which one is right for you.
What is short-sightedness?
Short-sightedness, or myopia, is a refractive error of the eye where light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it. This causes distant objects to appear blurred while close objects appear clear. Myopia develops when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front surface of the eye) is too curvy.
Lenses to correct short-sightedness
Two types of lenses can be used to correct short-sightedness: concave lenses and contact lenses. Concave lenses are thicker at the edges than in the middle and cause light to be diverted from the centre of the lens onto the retina, correcting the refractive error. Contact lenses work similarly but are placed directly on the surface of the eye.
The amount of short-sightedness correction needed varies from person to person, but generally, higher levels of myopia require stronger concave lenses or more powerful contact lenses. If you wear glasses or contact lenses for short-sightedness, you will need to have regular eye examinations so that your prescription can be updated as your eyesight changes.
What causes short-sightedness?
Short-sightedness can be caused by a variety of factors. If your parents or grandparents were short-sighted, you’re more likely to be too. Excessive screen time (especially close-up work like reading or using a computer), eye injuries, and certain health conditions can be other possible causes.
The majority of myopic people can have their vision corrected with glasses or contact lenses. In some circumstances, surgery might be a possibility.
How is short-sightedness treated?
There are many ways to treat short-sightedness. The most common are prescription lenses, which will help the eye focus properly. For those with mild myopia, this may be all that is needed. Others may require stronger lenses or even surgery.
Surgery for myopia is typically reserved for those with very high levels of short-sightedness. Several different surgical procedures can be used, depending on the individual case. These include laser surgery, which can permanently correct vision, and implantable contact lenses, which sit inside the eye and help focus light properly.
The different types of lenses used to correct myopia
Three primary types of lenses can be used to correct myopia or nearsightedness.
- Conventional corrective lenses: These lenses typically come in the form of eyeglasses or contact lenses and work by bending incoming light so that it focuses directly on the retina. This results in a clearer vision for those with myopia.
- Refractive surgery: This is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of the cornea. By doing so, it allows light to be properly focused on the retina, resulting in improved vision. There are several different types of refractive surgery, including LASIK and PRK.
- Orthokeratology: Also known as “ortho-k,” this is a non-surgical treatment option that involves wearing special contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea so that when they are removed, light is properly focused on the retina.
Which type of lens is best for me?
The type of lens that is best for you will depend on many factors, including the severity of your myopia, your age, and your lifestyle. If you have mild myopia, you may be able to get it by wearing glasses with simple convex lenses. These lenses work by bending the light that comes into your eyes, which helps to focus the image on your retina. If you have moderate or severe myopia, you will likely need to wear contact lenses or have surgery to correct your vision. Contact lenses work in a similar way to glasses, but they sit directly on your eye. This can give you clearer vision than glasses because there is no lens between your eye and the world.
How to care for my lenses
It is important to care for your lenses properly to maintain good vision and prevent eye infections. Here are some tips for caring for your lenses:
- Wash your hands with clean water before handling your lenses.
- Remove your lenses before using a hot tub, a shower, or the pool.
- Clean your lenses regularly with a lens cleaning solution and cloth.
- Store your lenses in a clean case with a fresh lens solution.
- Replace your lenses as often as prescribed by your eye doctor.
Conclusion
The lenses come in various forms, including single-vision, multifocal, and toric lenses, which cater to different needs and preferences. It is important to consult with an eye care professional to determine the most suitable lens option for correcting myopia. Our experts at City Optik will help you find the right lenses to correct your short-sightedness. Visit our Opticals in Calicut to find the right lenses for you. City Optik has outlets for Opticals in Palakkad, Tirur, Thalassery, and Trivandrum, and we are always happy to assist you. Regular eye exams and proper eyewear care can assist in maintaining good vision and avoiding potential complications. Consider the importance of your eye health and take care of it.