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).
Essilor Stellest lenses are specially designed spectacle lenses that correct myopia while helping slow its progression. The lenses use H.A.L.T. technology, which incorporates specially designed lenslets to create a myopic defocus signal that may help slow eye elongation.
For children who prefer glasses or are not ready for contact lenses, Stellest lenses can provide a convenient option that combines vision correction with myopia management.
Contact lenses can provide children with an alternative to glasses while helping manage myopia progression. MiSight 1 day contact lenses are daily disposable lenses designed specifically for children with myopia. They correct blurry distance vision while using ActivControl technology to help slow myopia progression and eye elongation.
Abiliti also offers myopia management options, including contact lens solutions designed to help slow myopia progression. Your eye doctor can recommend the most appropriate option based on your child’s prescription, age, rate of progression, and individual needs.
Both options can be a convenient choice for children who are ready to wear contact lenses and want greater freedom from glasses as part of their myopia management plan.
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.
Low-dose atropine eye drops may also be recommended as part of a myopia management plan. Atropine is a prescription medication that can help slow the progression of myopia in children. It is typically used as directed by an eye care professional, with regular follow-up appointments to monitor your child’s vision and eye growth.
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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Myopia often gets stronger year after year. Learn what influences how quickly it progresses, the signs to watch for at home, and myopia control options. […]
Wondering how glasses work? Learn how glasses bend light and how different lens shapes correct common vision problems like nearsightedness and astigmatism. […]
Tired of dealing with glare? Learn how polarized sunglasses cut glare, protect your eyes, and can boost clarity whether you’re boating, golfing, or biking. […]
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