Eye Fatigue is the Cause of False Myopia!

Eye Diseases Specialist from Kudret Eye Istanbul. Op. Dr. Cem Selvi gave information about false myopia, an eye disease that is not well known although it is frequently encountered in young people:

“Myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are recognised by almost everyone, and although these diseases are sometimes confused with each other, it is well known that each of them is a visual impairment. Although pseudo myopia is common, it is a disease that most people are unfamiliar with. Pseudo myopia is a problem of nearsightedness due to spasm of the ciliary muscles that provide the ability of the eyes to focus. The ciliary muscles allow the eye to focus like the lens of a camera by changing the curvature of the eye lens to provide clear vision at any distance. In situations requiring short-distance vision, the eye muscles contract to focus. Actions such as reading books for a long time without resting the eyes, writing, spending a long time with computers, tablets and smartphones that we all have in our pockets can cause the eye muscles to remain contracted and blurred vision when looking away. We call this condition as false myopia.”

Complaints may be confused with Migraine!

Eye Diseases Specialist. Op. Dr. Cem Selvi underlined that false myopia is seen especially in young people as a result of the intensive use of smartphones: “False myopia is frequently seen especially in young people due to the effect of technology -computers, tablets and smartphones. In addition, accountants, graphic designers, bankers and similar occupational groups who work in front of computers in the office are also at risk. In addition to blurred vision, eye pain, eye fatigue, hypersensitivity to light, i.e. photophobia, headache, variability in visual acuity may occur. The resulting complaints may lead to confusion with migraine. Sometimes it causes severe headaches that will spread to the upper neck and from the upper neck to the shoulders.”

Resting the eyes is a must!

Kudret Eye Istanbul Ophthalmology Specialist. Op. Dr Cem Selvi gave information about the treatment of false myopia: “False myopia usually occurs as a result of eye muscle strain, excessive fatigue and stress. Some eye medications, brain stem injuries, intraocular inflammations such as uveitis can also cause false myopia. After a detailed eye examination, the causes are determined and a treatment plan is drawn. During the examination, drops are instilled into the eyes and the ciliary muscles are anaesthetised to prevent number variability and to ensure clear vision. In the treatment, first of all, the cause of the occurrence should be eliminated. In ciliary muscle spasms caused by eye strain, the eye should be rested. Various eye drops and glasses may be prescribed in the treatment. The duration of treatment of false myopia varies from patient to patient.

Things to be Considered in Daily Life

Eye Diseases Specialist. Op. Dr Cem Selvi gave information about the things to be considered in daily life:

• Maintain a distance of 50 cm or arm’s length in close-oriented work such as phones, tablets, newspapers and books.
• Sitting while reading a book allows us to keep our distance. Be careful not to read a book lying down in a reclining position.
• Instead of watching films or series on media such as computers and tablets, prefer watching them on television.
• It is also important to rest the eye by looking away for 5 – 10 minutes every hour.

Remember, these blog posts are for informational purposes only. If you have any medical concerns or questions, please consult a doctor.