How To Treat Myopia

Almost everyone has a point in their lives when they realize that they’re having trouble seeing objects far away from them. Perhaps it’s difficult to focus on the whiteboard at the front of the classroom, or impossible to read street signs.

Read on to learn about the symptoms of this common disease and the myopia treatment available today.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, or near-sightedness, is one of the most common vision problems. In fact, the American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates that nearly 10 million American adults are severely nearsighted. Myopia is caused when the eye is too long or when the cornea is overly curved. As a result, light is not focused properly and faraway objects appear blurry or indistinct.

Many people first experience this unpleasant sensation during childhood, but myopia can continue to worsen until the eye stops growing around age 20. Activities that strain the eye, such as staring at computer screens or reading small print, can also contribute to myopia. Fortunately, there are now myopia treatments available to suit every lifestyle and budget.

Do I Need Myopia Treatment?

If you’ve been having trouble reading or driving, you should make an appointment with a certified Optometrist as soon as possible. Myopia is an inconvenient and potentially dangerous vision problem. It’s best to address near-sightedness in the very early stages before it affects your quality of life.

Myopia Treatment Specialist

At your appointment, Dr. Leonard will test you for myopia by asking you to identify letters on a distance chart. He will also use a variety of instruments to determine how well your eyes focus light. Using results from these tests, Dr. Leonard will be able to determine whether you suffer from myopia and discuss which myopia treatment option best suits your needs and lifestyle.

Many people avoid going to the Optometrist because they are worried about painful procedures or long hours spent in the examination chair. But modern eye exams are easy, fast, and highly effective. Don’t endure the headaches, blurry vision, or frustration any longer!

What Are My Myopia Treatment Options?

With today’s technology, myopia diagnosis doesn’t mean that you’ll be wearing bulky glasses for the rest of your life. So many myopia treatment options are currently available that there’s sure to be one that’s right for you.

The most common way to correct myopia is by wearing glasses or contact lenses. Those who suffer from mild myopia may only need to wear glasses for certain activities, such as reading or driving a car. Many patients wear single-focused lenses that provide clear vision at any distance. Bifocal and multifocal lenses, which offer multiple clarity levels to help patients see clearly close up and far away, are an excellent choice for those who have more complex vision problems.

Orthokeratology (or ortho-k) is a procedure in which patients wear a progressive series of contact lenses to gradually reshape the eye. This gentle, non-surgical procedure flattens the cornea and focuses light as it enters the eye, resulting in clearer vision.

Adults with more severe vision problems may also be eligible for laser surgical myopia treatments. During LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) and PRK (also known as photorefractive keratectomy) treatments, a laser beam is used to remove a small amount of tissue and sculpt the cornea into the proper shape. Both procedures provide great results, with most patients regaining clear vision in just a few months!

How common is Myopia?

Myopia (Nearsightedness) is very common. According to the AOA (American Optometric Association), more than 40% of Americans have myopia, a number that is rising, especially among children. Eye experts expect this trend to continue in the coming years.

Today one in four parents has a child with some degree of myopia. Eye experts believe that if children spend an extraordinary amount of time engaged in “near” activities, such as using smartphones, computers, or reading it may raise the risk of developing myopia.

Learn More About Myopia

Modern science has given us so many myopia treatment solutions that there’s no reason to delay. Why keep missing out on road trips, history-making sports plays, or special moments with your family?

You don’t need to deal with myopia forever. If you’ve noticed that your vision is not as clear as it used to be, don’t put off scheduling an eye appointment. Our skilled optometry team is ready to find the myopia treatment that’s perfect for you. Contact us at 818-891-6711 to set up your appointment with Dr. Leonard or Dr. Suarez today!

Myopia References:
What is Myopia (Nearsightedness)
What Causes Myopia
Myopia Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Myopia Symptoms (Nearsightedness)
Myopia Doctor