Myopia (Nearsightedness)
Approximately 41.6% of Americans are nearsighted, an increase from 25% in 1971. Since myopia—the medical term for nearsightedness—is on the rise, let’s discuss the condition, what causes nearsightedness, and treatment options.
What Is Nearsightedness?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a vision condition in which you can clearly see items up close, but your vision gets blurry when you try to see things farther away. It’s a very common condition. Chances are you have no problem reading a book without glasses, but you’ll need them to drive because otherwise, you won’t be able to read the road signs.
Causes
What causes nearsightedness? It all comes down to the shape of your eye. Myopia occurs when your eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing correctly when it enters your eye. This results in blurry vision for objects far away.
Symptoms
The only real symptom of myopia is blurriness for objects in the distance. However, if it goes untreated, you might have secondary symptoms connected to your brain and eyes, straining to compensate for the issue. It’s not uncommon to experience headaches, squinting, and eye fatigue.
Diagnosis
Your comprehensive eye exam is comprehensive enough to check for nearsightedness. This condition doesn’t require any sort of additional testing. We’re all familiar with the famous vision test in which you cover one eye and read letters on a poster several feet away. A lighted retinoscope is another part of an annual eye exam used to diagnose myopia—it measures how your retina measures light.
Your diagnosis may narrow down the degree of myopia you’re currently experiencing. Mild, moderate, and high myopia all refer to how poorly the light is reflected.
Treatment Options
The good news is that myopia is commonly treated through very commonplace visual aids. Contact lenses and glasses for nearsightedness are prescribed most often. You may also be a candidate for corrective surgery, although that’s more likely to be offered to patients with mild or moderate myopia.
Since the condition is frequent and not considered serious, your regular eye doctor or optometrist can diagnose and treat you at your annual eye exam. Schedule your eye exam with Visionworks to start taking steps toward treatment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myopia the Same as Nearsightedness?
Is Myopia Hereditary?
Can LASIK Treat Nearsightedness?
Protect Your Vision with Annual Eye Exams
Schedule an eye exam through Visionworks today and ensure better vision for your tomorrow!
