Myopia is not a disease, but rather a refractive error. This means that the eye does not refract or bend light correctly, causing distant objects to appear out of focus. It usually develops in childhood and continues to progress until the person reaches their late teens or early twenties. While myopia is a common condition, it is also misunderstood. Many people are not aware of its causes, symptoms, and effective management methods.

Understanding the Causes of Myopia

Myopia generally arises from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If your parents are myopic, you are more likely to develop the condition.

Research has pointed to lifestyle changes as a significant contributing factor. Increased screen time, reduced outdoor activity, and extensive near work such as reading or writing can trigger the development and progression of myopia. Prolonged focus on nearby objects can strain the eyes, leading to structural changes that result in myopia.

 

Recognizing the Symptoms of Myopia

Recognizing the symptoms of myopia is the first step towards addressing this condition. The most common symptom is blurred distance vision. If you find yourself squinting or straining your eyes to see distant objects clearly, you may have myopia.

Other symptoms include headaches, eye strain, and fatigue, particularly after prolonged visual tasks. Difficulty seeing at night, also known as night myopia, is another common symptom. Children with myopia may sit closer to the TV, hold books very closely while reading, or complain about not being able to see the board at school.

 

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in Myopia Detection

Regular eye exams are vital for the early detection and management of myopia. An eye exam can identify the presence of myopia even before symptoms become noticeable. This is particularly important for children, as early detection can prevent the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of developing high myopia later in life.

During an eye exam, your eye care professional will assess your eye health, measure your visual acuity, and check for any refractive errors. If myopia is detected, they will prescribe corrective lenses or recommend other treatment options.

 

How to Fix Myopia

The most common method to correct myopia is through the use of glasses or contact lenses. However, these are temporary solutions that only address the symptoms of myopia, not the underlying condition.

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is an emerging technique that involves the use of specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This can help reduce the progression of myopia, particularly in children.

Laser eye surgery is another option for adults with stable myopia. This procedure reshapes the cornea permanently, correcting myopia and reducing dependency on glasses or contact lenses. However, this option is not suitable for everyone and comes with potential risks.

Myopia control is not a one-time fix; it requires a long-term commitment. This involves regular eye exams, adhering to prescribed treatments, and making lifestyle adjustments. Consistency is key in slowing down myopia progression and maintaining good eye health.

 

Navigating Myopia Effectively

Living with myopia can be challenging, but with proper management, it doesn't have to hinder your daily life. Understanding the causes and symptoms of myopia, committing to regular eye exams, exploring various myopia management methods, and seeking professional services are all crucial steps towards fixing myopia.

To learn more about myopia and management methods, consult with our professionals at Optometry Medical Group in our Seattle, Washington, offices. Please call (206) 888-6128 for our Rainier office or (206) 888-6028 for our Madison office to schedule an appointment today.