Understanding Short-Sightedness
Myopia — which is also known as short-sightedness — is a common vision condition in which faraway objects are blurred and near vision is clear. This condition is when the eye grows too long, resulting in light focusing in front of the retina, instead of directly on it. Though myopia can develop at any age, some age groups are at a higher risk of developing myopia, especially in urban population from places such as Kozhikode, in which lifestyle and environmental risk factors are attributed to its cause. Age-related short-sightedness can also affect older individuals, leading to vision challenges as they age.
Age Groups Most at Risk of Short-Sightedness
Children and Teenagers (6-18 years)
The age group most affected is school-going children and teenagers. The increasing cases of myopia in Kozhikode can be attributed to several factors:
- Increased screen time – With more and more students turning to digital learning, smartphones, tablets, and computers are increasingly used for learning that could additionally cause your eyes to strain.
- Lack of outdoor activities – Research indicates that exposure to natural daylight can help slow the myopia progression, but urban children in these environments spend many hours indoors.
- Genetics – Children are at an increased risk of being nearsighted if parents have myopia.
Young Adults (18-30 years)
Many young adults in Kozhikode experience myopia due to:
- Higher education and work-related strain – Frequent reading, studying, or working in digital screens in an office or a university put stress on eyes.
- Lifestyle habits – Poor lighting, late-night screen exposure, and lack of eye care may all contribute to the deterioration of vision.
- Incorrect prescription usage – Wearing old or incorrect glasses will make eye strain and myopia worse.
Adults (30-50 years)
Although myopia generally stabilizes by adulthood, some adults in this age group may have worsening vision, due to:
- Prolonged screen exposure – Many professionals spend long hours working on their systems without taking compulsory eye breaks.
- Eye fatigue – Staring into screens, without following the 20-20-20 rule (where every 20 minutes, you look away for 20 seconds at 20 feet) can also strain eyes.
- Health conditions – Diabetes, hypertension and other systemic diseases affect vision health.
Older Adults (50+ years)
Short-sightedness in older age is less common, but people who were highly myopic when young may suffer complications that include:
- Cataracts – Cloudiness of the lens of the eye that can impact overall vision.
- Glaucoma – Increased pressure in the eyeball that can cause blindness.
- Retinal detachment – A serious condition in which the retina pulls away from its normal position and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.
Age-related short-sightedness can contribute to these complications, making regular eye check-ups crucial for early detection and treatment.
How to Prevent and Manage Short-Sightedness in Kozhikode
As myopia becomes more widespread in various age groups, this is a crucial time to start taking proactive actions:
- Encourage outdoor activities – Natural sunlight helps reduce the risk of developing myopia in children.
- Limit screen time – Take frequent breaks and adjust screen brightness to reduce eye strain.
- Use correct eyewear – Regular eye checkup makes sure that the eyeglasses/contact lenses are updated at the right prescription.
- Follow a healthy diet – Consuming foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, supports eye health.
- Schedule regular eye check-ups – Visiting an eye specialist at least once a year helps detect vision problems early.
The prevalence of short-sightedness increases across various age groups in Kozhikode where children and teenagers and young adults experience its rise because of new lifestyle patterns. Age-related short-sightedness also plays a role in older individuals, requiring continuous vision care. Early diagnosis together with preventive medical care helps decrease the chances of myopia worsening. Blurred vision needs evaluation from an eye specialist who can provide proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Eye Foundation Kozhikode provides expert eye care services with complete myopia management solutions for patients who make appointments today.
