Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision conditions worldwide. It affects how clearly you see distant objects, making things like road signs or classroom whiteboards appear blurry. At Eyes Harvest Hills in Edmonton, we believe understanding myopia is the first step to managing it effectively. Here’s a detailed look at what myopia is, its causes, symptoms, and how it can be treated.
What Causes Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. This can happen if:
- The eyeball grows too long.
- The cornea (the front part of your eye) is too curved.
While genetics play a significant role—meaning children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to develop myopia—environmental factors also contribute. Prolonged activities like reading, working on computers, or using digital devices up close can increase the risk of myopia, especially in children who spend less time outdoors.
Symptoms of Myopia
Recognizing the signs of myopia is vital for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects, such as road signs or a TV screen.
- Frequent squinting or straining to see clearly.
- Headaches caused by eye strain.
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night (in some cases).
If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, scheduling an eye exam to confirm whether myopia is the cause is essential.
How Is Myopia Diagnosed?
Diagnosing myopia is simple and non-invasive. During a comprehensive eye exam, an optometrist will:
- Measure your vision to determine how well you can see at different distances.
- Use specialized tools to examine your eye’s shape and determine myopia’s severity.
Myopia often begins in childhood and progresses over time, which is why routine eye exams are crucial, especially for children.
Why Is Myopia Management Important?
While myopia might seem like a minor inconvenience, untreated or severe myopia can lead to long-term issues, including:
- Poor academic or work performance due to difficulty seeing clearly.
- Social impacts or reduced confidence, especially in children.
- Increased risk of serious eye health complications, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or cataracts, in cases of high myopia.
Managing myopia early can help reduce these risks and improve overall quality of life.
Treatment and Management Options
Thankfully, there are several effective options for managing myopia:
- Glasses and Contact Lenses: These are the most common solutions to correct vision and provide clear sight at all distances.
- Myopia Control Treatments:
- Atropine Eye Drops: These drops can slow myopia progression in children.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Lenses: These are specially designed lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, providing clear vision during the day.
- Specialty Contact Lenses: Multifocal or myopia control lenses can slow myopia progression while correcting vision.
- Lifestyle Changes: Increasing time spent outdoors and reducing prolonged screen time can also help manage myopia, particularly in children.
Early intervention is key, especially for children, as these treatments can slow the progression of myopia and reduce its long-term effects.
Myopia in Children vs. Adults
Myopia affects children and adults differently. In children, myopia often progresses as they grow, making early diagnosis and treatment critical to slow progression. Conversely, adults may experience stable myopia, but they still need regular eye exams to ensure their prescription remains accurate and their eye health is maintained.
Myopia is a common condition, but proper care and management doesn’t have to interfere with your quality of life. From glasses and contact lenses to advanced treatments like Ortho-K lenses and atropine drops, there are plenty of ways to correct and manage myopia effectively.
Concerned about your vision or your child’s eyesight? Contact Eyes Harvest Hills in Edmonton today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Let us help you achieve clear vision and long-term eye health!
