Step 1: Etiology of Myopia.
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry, but close objects are clear. The etiology of myopia can be broadly categorized as:
1. Genetic Factors:
Myopia has a strong hereditary component. Children with myopic parents have a higher risk of developing myopia. Several genes related to eye growth and development contribute to the condition.
2. Environmental Factors:
Prolonged close-up work, such as reading or using digital devices, increases the risk of myopia development, especially in children. Lack of outdoor activities and insufficient light exposure may also contribute to the condition.
Step 2: Classification of Myopia.
Myopia is classified based on its degree of severity:
1. Low Myopia:
Refraction is between -0.25 D and -3.00 D. This level of myopia is typically manageable with corrective lenses.
2. Moderate Myopia:
Refraction is between -3.00 D and -6.00 D. People with moderate myopia may experience difficulty in seeing objects at a distance.
3. High Myopia:
Refraction is greater than -6.00 D. High myopia often leads to complications, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts.