What You Should Know About Myopia

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What Is Myopia? 

You may have heard the term “myopia” before. It’s more commonly known as “nearsightedness.” 30% of people in the U.S. are myopic. 

Myopic people can see things up close and clearly but have difficulty seeing objects in the distance.

Irregularities in your eye cause myopia. The most common cause of myopia is when the eye is too long from front to back. These characteristics mean that the light entering the eye can’t properly focus on the retina.

Usually, myopia symptoms present themselves in school-age children. As they grow, myopia can worsen since the eye keeps growing. Myopia may also develop later in life because of eyestrain, stress, or health conditions. 

Myopia Symptoms

Along with difficulty seeing objects in the distance, other symptoms accompany myopia, including: 

  • Eyestrain
  • Squinting
  • Headaches

Myopic Behaviors in Children

Myopia is first evident in childhood, but children may have trouble expressing nearsightedness and vision problems. The following signs may indicate your child has myopia. 

  • Constant, irregular blinking and squinting
  • Being unaware of distant objects
  • Frequent eye rubbing 
  • Sitting too close to the television
  • Proximity to screens
    • Having iPads, tablets, or other electronic devices too close to their face

Myopia Causes

Myopia can be either hereditary, a result of environment and behaviors, or a result of health issues. Causes include:

  • Genetics
    • You’re more likely to have myopia if your parents do
  • Close-up activities
    • Prolonged reading, being on a phone, or working on a laptop
  • Health conditions
    • Diabetes
    • Cataracts

Potential Risks

Even if no one in your family has myopia, eye diseases, and other health concerns can put you at risk for it.

Risks include:

Diagnosis and Treatment

Myopia Diagnosis

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can determine if you are myopic. They perform a comprehensive eye exam to give you the diagnosis. During the exam, you may be asked to read letters or numbers on a chart while covering each eye and using both eyes.

Myopia Treatment

Although myopia cannot be reversed or permanently cured without surgery, it can be managed. Having good vision while living with myopia is possible. 

Most people use glasses or contact lenses to see clearly after a myopia diagnosis. If glasses or contacts aren’t for you, surgery is an option.

LASIK is a highly successful, popular vision correction surgery that helps people see clearly without needing glasses or contacts. 

Your Local, Trusted Myopia Experts

Struggling to see things in the distance? Worried your child is showing signs of myopia? We can help.

Whether it’s your loved one or you, trust the experts at the Cleveland Eye Clinic to help you manage myopia. Start by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam

 

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