What are the symptoms of short-sightedness?
People who are short-sighted may experience the following symptoms:
- Difficulty seeing distant objects, like road signs or a whiteboard in class
- Clear vision when looking at things up close
- Squinting to see better
- Eye strain or headaches after trying to focus on distant objects
What causes short-sightedness?
The exact cause of short-sightedness is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development:
- Genetics: It tends to run in families
- Environmental factors: Spending too much time doing close-up tasks, like reading or using screens, may increase risk
How common is short-sightedness?
Short-sightedness is quite common. It affects millions of people around the world, and its occurrence has been increasing in recent years, especially among young people.
Who is more likely to have short-sightedness?
Certain factors may make some people more likely to develop short-sightedness:
- Having a family history of myopia
- Being a child or teenager, as it often develops during these years
- Spending a lot of time on activities that require close focus, like reading or using digital devices
How can I treat short-sightedness?
Short-sightedness can be managed with the following options:
- Glasses: Wearing glasses is a common way to help see better
- Contact lenses: Some people prefer to use contact lenses for more convenience
- Refractive surgery: This is a surgical option that can reduce dependence on glasses or contacts for some adults
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How to live with short-sightedness?
Living with short-sightedness involves making adjustments:
- Regular eye check-ups to update prescriptions for glasses or contacts
- Being aware of surroundings and keeping vision aids close by
- Taking breaks from screens to prevent eye strain
Final thoughts
Short-sightedness is a common condition that can affect daily life, but effective treatments are available. If you are concerned about your vision, speak to your GP or healthcare provider for advice.
