Causes of Hypermetropia
Hypermetropia, also known as hyperopia or farsightedness, is a common refractive error of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing objects up close. In individuals with hypermetropia, the light rays entering the eye are not focused correctly, resulting in blurry vision at short distances. This condition is typically inherited and is present at birth, although it can also develop later in life due to various factors.
In this article, we will focus on the causes of hypermetropia, including inherited factors, age-related changes, and other contributing factors.
Inherited Factors
Hypermetropia is typically inherited and present at birth. It is caused by the shape of the eyeball or the curvature of the cornea, which determines how the light rays entering the eye are focused.
The eyeball is made up of three layers: the outer layer (sclera), the middle layer (choroid), and the inner layer (retina). The sclera and choroid make up the white part of the eye, while the retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive cells that line the back of the eye.
The cornea is a clear, dome-shaped structure at the front of the eye that helps to focus the light rays entering the eye. The cornea is made up of several layers, including the epithelium, the stroma, and the endothelium.
In individuals with hypermetropia, the eyeball is typically too short or the cornea is too flat, which causes the light rays entering the eye to focus behind the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry vision at short distances, as the image is not in focus on the retina.
Age-Related Changes
Hypermetropia can also develop or worsen later in life due to age-related changes in the eye. As we get older, the muscles in the eye may become weaker, which can cause hypermetropia to develop or worsen.
Presbyopia is a natural age-related condition that causes the lens of the eye to become less flexible, making it harder to focus on objects up close. Presbyopia is a common cause of hypermetropia in people over the age of 40.
Other Contributing Factors
In addition to inherited factors and age-related changes, there are several other factors that can contribute to the development or worsening of hypermetropia, including:
- Eye injuries or surgeries: Certain eye injuries or surgeries, such as cataract removal, can cause hypermetropia to develop or worsen.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disease, can affect the shape of the eyeball and cause hypermetropia.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can contribute to the development or worsening of hypermetropia.
It is important to note that not all individuals with hypermetropia have inherited the condition or have any known risk factors. In some cases, the cause of hypermetropia is unknown.
Conclusion
Hypermetropia is a common refractive error of the eye that causes difficulty in seeing objects up close. It is typically inherited and present at birth, although it can also develop later in life due to various factors, including aging, presbyopia, eye injuries or surgeries, and certain medical conditions. If you experience any symptoms of hypermetropia, it is important to see an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam to determine the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.
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