Why Is Myopia the Most Common Vision Problem Today?

Introduction

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is not just another eye issue—it has become the most common vision problem worldwide. Studies show that nearly 1 in 3 people globally suffer from myopia, and the numbers are still rising. In India, urban children are especially at risk due to excessive screen use, academic stress, and reduced outdoor playtime.

While myopia may seem harmless at first, ignoring it can lead to progressive worsening and, in severe cases, vision-threatening complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and early cataracts.

The encouraging fact is that modern medicine now offers comprehensive solutions for myopia treatment. With advanced diagnostic tools, non-surgical interventions, and cutting-edge laser technologies, myopia can be controlled and even permanently corrected in adults.

In this guide, we will explore everything about myopia—its causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, myths, and real-life management stories. We will also highlight why Dr. Tanmoy Biswas, Best Eye Surgeon in Kolkata, is a trusted name for myopia treatment in Kolkata, combining global expertise with personalized care.

What Exactly Is Myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error, meaning that the eye does not bend light properly.

• In a normal eye, light rays focus directly on the retina to produce a sharp image.
  
• In a myopic eye, light rays focus in front of the retina, making distant objects appear blurry.
  

Key Characteristics:

• Clear near vision, blurry distant vision.
  
• Often begins in childhood and progresses during teenage years.
  
• Can stabilize in adulthood, but in some cases, it keeps worsening.
  

Why Has Myopia Become the Most Common Vision Disorder?

Several modern lifestyle and genetic factors explain its global rise:

1. Genetics
   
   • Kids with one nearsighted parent face about a 25–30% likelihood of becoming myopic.

• When both parents are nearsighted, the likelihood increases to around 50–60%.

2. Excessive Screen Time
   
   • Smartphones, tablets, and computers force the eyes into prolonged near focusing, straining the visual system.
     
3. Lack of Outdoor Activity
   
   • Natural daylight stimulates dopamine release in the retina, which slows eye elongation. Children spending less than 1 hour outdoors daily are at higher risk.
     
4. Urban Lifestyle & Education Pressure
   
   • In cities, long school hours, tuition, and indoor living contribute to early onset and progression.
     
5. Global Trends
   
   • It is estimated that by 2050, almost half of the global population will be affected by myopia.

Symptoms of Myopia

• Blurry vision when looking at distant objects.
  
• Squinting while watching TV or reading signboards.
  
• Sitting too close to books or digital screens.
  
• Frequent headaches and eye strain.
  
• Poor performance in school due to blackboard visibility issues.
  

Types of Myopia

1. Simple Myopia – Mild, usually less than -6.00 diopters, correctable with glasses.
   
2. Progressive Myopia – Worsens every year, common in children.
   
3. High Myopia – More than -6.00 diopters, associated with higher risks of retinal complications.
   
4. Pathological Myopia – Severe form with degenerative changes in the retina and optic nerve.
   

How Is Myopia Diagnosed?

Eye doctors use multiple tests to identify and assess severity:

• Visual Acuity Test (Snellen Chart) – Checks clarity of vision.
  
• Refraction Test – Measures exact prescription needed.
  
• Slit-Lamp Exam – Evaluates cornea, lens, and anterior eye structures.
  
• Retinal Examination – Rules out retinal thinning or detachment risks.
  
• Axial Length Measurement – Important in children to monitor progression.
  

Myopia Treatment Options in Kolkata

1. Glasses

• Safe, simple, and affordable.
  
• Suitable for all ages.
  
• Limitations: dependency and inconvenience in sports.
  

2. Contact Lenses

• Provide a better field of vision than glasses.
  
• Choices include soft contact lenses, rigid gas-permeable lenses, and daily disposable lenses.
  
• Require strict hygiene to prevent infections.
  

3. Medical Myopia Control for Children

• Low-Dose Atropine Drops (0.01%–0.05%): Proven to slow progression.
  
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special overnight lenses reshape cornea temporarily.
  
• Bifocal/Multifocal Contact Lenses: Reduce eye strain and slow progression.
  

4. Surgical Treatments for Adults

• LASIK: Uses laser to permanently reshape cornea.
  
• SMILE: Minimally invasive laser surgery, suitable for moderate to high myopia.
  
• PRK: Surface laser procedure, ideal for thin corneas.
  
• Phakic IOLs (Implantable Lenses): Suitable for very high myopia where LASIK is not possible.
  

Benefits of Treating Myopia Early

1. Prevents worsening of refractive error.
   
2. Reduces risk of retinal and optic nerve complications.
   
3. Improves school/work performance.
   
4. Prevents eye strain and headaches.
   
5. Enhances self-confidence and lifestyle freedom.
   

Comparison Table – Myopia Treatments

Lifestyle & Prevention Tips

• Encourage 2 hours of outdoor activity daily.
  
• Apply 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  
• Limit recreational screen time.
  
• Maintain proper posture and lighting during reading.
  
• Regular eye check-ups every 6–12 months.
  

Myths vs Facts About Myopia

Real-Life Case Studies

Case 1: Child Myopia Control

A 10-year-old student had worsening myopia every year. Under Dr. Tanmoy Biswas, she started on low-dose atropine therapy and Ortho-K lenses. After 2 years, her progression slowed by 60%, improving academic confidence.

Case 2: Adult LASIK Success

A 28-year-old IT professional struggling with thick glasses opted for SMILE laser surgery under Dr. Biswas. Today, he enjoys 20/20 vision without glasses, with enhanced lifestyle freedom.

Why Choose Dr. Tanmoy Biswas?

• Recognized as the Best Eye Surgeon in Kolkata.
  
• Specialist in managing myopia in Kolkata for patients of all ages, including children and adults.

• Advanced technology including LASIK, SMILE, and myopia control therapies.
  
• Patient-centered care with international-level precision.
  
• High success rate with thousands of happy patients.
  

Conclusion

Myopia is more than just a need for glasses—it’s a growing global health challenge. Left untreated, it can affect not only vision but also quality of life and long-term eye health. Thankfully, with advanced diagnostic tools, medical therapies, and laser surgeries, clear and healthy vision is possible.

For families in West Bengal seeking world-class care, Dr. Tanmoy Biswas, Best Eye Surgeon in Kolkata, provides the most advanced myopia treatment in Kolkata, blending expertise, compassion, and innovation.

👉 Early detection, timely treatment, and the right lifestyle habits are the key to managing myopia successfully.

FAQs on Myopia Treatment in Kolkata

Q1: What is the best age for myopia correction surgery?
A: Usually after the age of 18, when the eye power has become stable.

Q2: Can children outgrow myopia?
A: No, but progression can be controlled with treatments.

Q3: Which is better – LASIK or SMILE?
A: Both are effective; choice depends on corneal thickness and eye condition.

Q4: Can high myopia be corrected permanently?
A: Yes, with Phakic IOLs or laser surgery, depending on eligibility.

Q5: Which specialist is considered the best eye surgeon for myopia treatment in Kolkata?

A: Dr. Tanmoy Biswas, Best Eye Surgeon in Kolkata, specializes in advanced myopia treatment in Kolkata, offering both child myopia control and adult surgical corrections.