Myopia Control

What Is Myopia?

Better known as nearsightedness, myopia is a condition in which close objects can be seen clearly, but distant objects are very blurry. It happens when the shape of the eye causes light to bend incorrectly, preventing objects from being focused on your retina.

There are two main types of myopia: low and high. Low myopia is fairly mild, while high myopia is much more severe. When someone has high myopia, their risk for cataracts and glaucoma is much higher.

Myopia is often inherited, and people that are nearsighted don't always experience significant vision impairment early on. Symptoms often begin to worsen between the ages of 8 and 12. Some adults also develop nearsightedness later in life.

It can often be difficult for people to realize that their vision is impaired. Many people don't realize how difficult it is for them to see until after their vision is corrected. This is why it's important to schedule eye exams to identify conditions like myopia early on before your vision worsens.

Some of the more common symptoms experienced by people that are nearsighted include:

• Difficulty seeing objects that are far away

• Frequent squinting

• Headaches and eye strain
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Symptoms often become more pronounced as people age. It's generally recommended that children and adults have a routine eye exam about every two years. If our eye doctors identify any issues with your vision, you should schedule more frequent examinations.

Treating Myopia

Although myopia causes vision impairment, there are many effective treatments. Most patients opt to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses. With the right prescription, you'll be able to see clearly.

Since there are various options for treatment, it's best to work with an eye doctor to find the best solution for your needs. You'll also want to make sure you schedule eye exams regularly to adjust your prescription if your vision changes.