Your eyesight may be blurry during puberty due to hormonal changes that can cause the eyeball to lengthen, potentially leading to myopia (nearsightedness).
Puberty brings about significant hormonal shifts that influence various aspects of physical development. One such change is the lengthening of the eyeball. As the eyeball grows, the distance between the lens and the retina increases. This can cause light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision – a condition known as myopia or nearsightedness.
Here's a breakdown of what happens:
- Hormonal Influence: The surge in hormones during puberty affects overall growth, including the eyes.
- Eyeball Lengthening: The eyeball can elongate slightly during this growth spurt.
- Myopia Development: This altered shape causes light to focus improperly.
- Blurry Vision: Distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision might remain clear.
What can you do?
If you experience blurry vision during puberty, it's crucial to:
- Get an Eye Exam: Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam. They can accurately diagnose any refractive errors, such as myopia.
- Corrective Lenses: Myopia is typically easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses. Your eye doctor will prescribe the appropriate lenses to sharpen your vision.
- Regular Check-ups: Even after getting corrective lenses, schedule regular eye exams to monitor any changes in your vision.
In summary, blurry vision during puberty is often related to the elongation of the eyeball due to hormonal changes, leading to myopia. Getting a professional eye exam and wearing corrective lenses can easily address this issue.
