Myopia is a refractive error that affects millions of people worldwide. In this condition, your eyes have difficulty focusing on distant objects, causing blurred vision. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing directly on the retina. As a result, images appear clear when objects are close but become increasingly blurred as they move farther away. Understanding the basics of myopia is crucial for seeking proper diagnosis and treatment to maintain good vision and prevent potential complications.

What Causes Myopia?

Several factors contribute to the development of myopia, including:
 

• Genetics: Myopia tends to run in families, suggesting a strong genetic component. If one or both parents are nearsighted, their children have a higher risk of developing myopia.
• Environmental Factors: Prolonged close-up work, such as reading, using digital devices, or engaging in activities that require sustained near vision, can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia development. Additionally, lack of outdoor time and exposure to natural light may play a role.
• Age: Myopia often begins in childhood and can progress until the late teens or early twenties when the eyes typically stop growing.

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of myopia is crucial for seeking timely treatment and preventing potential complications. Here are some common indicators to watch for:
 

• Blurred Distance Vision: One of the most prominent symptoms of myopia is difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, such as road signs, whiteboards, or television screens.
• Squinting: You may find yourself squinting or partially closing your eyes to improve focus on distant objects.
• Eye Strain and Fatigue: Prolonged efforts to focus on distant objects can lead to eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
• Frequent Blinking: Myopia can cause you to blink more frequently as your eyes try to compensate for the blurred vision.
• Sitting Close to Screens or Books: You may notice a tendency to sit closer to television screens, computer monitors, or hold books or other reading materials closer to your face.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to schedule an eye examination with an optometrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia is not just an inconvenience; it can also lead to potentially serious complications if left unmanaged. Some of the risks associated with untreated or poorly controlled myopia include:
 

• Increased Risk of Retinal Detachment: Myopia can stretch and thin the retina, increasing the risk of retinal detachment, a potentially sight-threatening condition.
• Myopic Maculopathy: This condition involves degenerative changes in the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision), which can lead to vision loss.
• Glaucoma: Individuals with high myopia have an increased risk of developing glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss if left untreated.
• Cataracts: Myopia may contribute to the earlier development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye's natural lens.

Effective myopia management not only improves visual clarity but also helps prevent or slow the progression of these potential complications, preserving your overall eye health and quality of life.

Exploring Myopia Treatment Options

While corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, are the most common treatment for myopia, there are several other options available to manage and potentially control the progression of this condition. Here are some of the most widely used treatments:
 

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This treatment involves wearing specialized rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, reducing or eliminating the need for corrective lenses during the day.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents by temporarily reducing the eye's focusing ability.
• Multifocal or Progressive Lenses: These specialized lenses have different prescriptions in different zones, allowing for clear vision at various distances and potentially slowing myopia progression.

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Opticore Optometry Group Today

Myopia is a common and increasingly prevalent condition that requires proper management to maintain good vision and prevent potential complications. Regular eye examinations play a crucial role in detecting and monitoring myopia, as well as implementing appropriate treatment strategies.
 

If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of myopia, schedule an appointment with our experienced eye care team. At Opticore Optometry Group, our team of optometrists are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care services, including myopia management. Contact us to learn more about your treatment options and take the first step toward preserving your vision and eye health. Visit our office in Chino, Redlands, Fontana, or Riverside, California. Please call 866-202-2221 to book an appointment today.