Pseudomyopia

Pseudomyopia is false nearsightedness. It is an adaptation by the eye to maintain clear vision.


What Is Pseudomyopia?


Pseudomyopia is a condition that occurs when the eye’s ciliary muscle spasms, making it difficult to focus on distant objects. It’s different from myopia, which is caused by the eye’s shape.


It is characterised by a change in the curvature of the lens in the eye.



What Are The Symptoms?


Symptoms of pseudomyopia include: 

  • Blurred distance vision

  • Headaches

  • Eye strain

  • Photophobia (light sensitivity)

  • Eye pain

  • Fluctuating visual acuity

  • Asthenopia

  • Diplopia

  • Accommodative esotropia


Symptoms can be constant or episodic, and affect one or both eyes.


What Causes It?


Pseudomyopia can have a number of causes, including:

  • Eye strain: Prolonged use of digital devices or studying for tests can cause eye strain, which can lead to pseudomyopia. 

  • Psychological stress: Psychological stress can cause pseudomyopia because it activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which contracts the ciliary muscle. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common psychiatric illness associated with pseudomyopia. 

  • Head trauma: Head trauma is the most common organic cause of pseudomyopia. 

  • Other neurological diseases: Other neurological diseases that can cause pseudomyopia include encephalitis, intracranial masses, and cerebrovascular disease. 

  • Drug-induced causes: Some drugs can cause pseudomyopia. 


Pseudomyopia usually occurs in young adults.


How Is It Treated?


Pseudomyopia treatment depends on the underlying cause, but may include:

  • Lifestyle changes: To reduce eye strain, you can:

    • Take regular breaks from near work, such as by following the 20-20-20 rule 

    • Sit while reading, and avoid reading in bed 

    • Maintain a distance of at least 12 inches (30 cm) from digital devices and reading material 

    • Spend at least two hours a day outdoors 

    • Develop a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep 

  • Glasses: Wear glasses for reading and other close work 

  • Vision therapy: This may include ocular exercises and relaxation 

  • Psychological support: This may include psychotherapy or psychiatric consultations 

  • Correcting organic causes: This may include treating systemic disease, head injury, brain disease, or uveitis