Myopia is a condition that causes objects in the distance to appear blurry while objects up close remain clear. If this sounds familiar, it’s because even if you have 20/20 vision, you likely know someone with this condition. Nearly 30% of Americans are affected by myopia, which is also known as nearsightedness. If not corrected, myopia makes it difficult for people to see clearly while performing everyday activities.
Although there’s a genetic component to myopia, there is also evidence that suggests that prolonged close focusing (like the type that leads to digital eye strain) may also play a role. Ultimately, myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the curvature of the cornea is too steep, which focuses light entering the eye in front of the retina instead of on it, causing distant objects to appear blurry.
We can diagnose myopia during a comprehensive eye exam. Through the use of simple tests, we can determine how well your eyes focus light and help you find the best solution for correcting your nearsightedness.
The most common form of myopia management is corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contacts. If you have a mild case of myopia, you may only need to wear glasses to perform certain activities, such as driving. However, if your myopia is more severe, you may need to wear them all the time.
Bifocal or multifocal glasses are available to those who require different prescriptions to correct different vision problems, such as those who have myopia as well as another condition such as presbyopia (a condition caused by age that affects our near vision).
If glasses aren’t a good option for your lifestyle, you may want to try contact lenses. Contacts are worn directly on the eye, so they often offer clearer vision and a wider field of view than eyeglasses.
Patients with mild myopia may temporarily correct myopia with orthokeratology (ortho-k), otherwise known as corneal refractive therapy (CRT). Ortho-k can also be used to slow the progression of myopia in children. Ortho-k involves wearing rigid contact lenses designed to gradually and temporarily reshape the curvature of the cornea by putting pressure on it to flatten it over time. These lenses are generally worn overnight while you sleep so you can enjoy clear vision during the day.
Additionally, laser surgeries like laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) can also be used to correct myopia in adults. Both procedures use lasers to reshape the cornea. There are many factors that can play a role in determining whether laser eye surgery is a good choice for you, which is why we offer laser eye surgery consultations and referrals.
We can help you find the best solution for your vision problems at the Eye Avenue. Book your appointment today.
We’re conveniently located in the Strand offices between VAMPD and Pure Barre.
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