Are you worried that you may have myopia or problems with near-sightedness? Eye 1st Vision Center in Sandy Springs, GA has experienced optometry specialists that can help you understand myopia-related problems and find effective solutions. We understand that you may have important questions about this condition and what it means, so let us go over some of the common questions we receive and what you should know!
Is Myopia Just Being Nearsighted?
Myopia is a more technical term for being nearsighted or having difficulty seeing distant objects, which appear blurry or fuzzy. However, myopia can have a variety of different causes: The most common is a refractive error that is first evident in children and can grow worse as children age. This cause is most associated with genetics.
Can Myopia Be Cured?
Myopia is not a disease, but it can be treated and in some cases the progression can be delayed. Common treatments include contacts and glasses to help correct vision and reduce eye strain. Sometimes atropine eyedrops are prescribed for children developing myopia, which may be able to reduce progression. This is one of the reasons that it’s important to make sure your children have regular eye appointments as they age, especially if myopia runs in the family.
As those with myopia age, other treatments become available, such as orthokeratology (wearing reshaping lenses to help correct vision during the night) and LASIK procedures to permanently reshape the cornea. Your optometrist can discuss these options with you, which may be the best fit, and when would be the best time to consider them.
Can Myopia Cause Any Dangerous Symptoms?
Usually, the most dangerous symptoms of myopia are headaches and fatigue as people try to focus their eyes. In serious cases, people cannot drive or ready without corrective treatments.
However, as those with myopia grow older, other problems may surface. They may be at higher risk for retinal detachment, for example. They may also be more likely to experience glaucoma or damage to the optic nerve caused by increased pressure in the eye which affects vision in a variety of ways. Older people with myopia can also be at a greater risk of developing cataracts. Left untreated, these conditions can lead to blindness, which is why it is important to watch for symptoms and contact an optometrist if any develop.
What Should I Do If I Think My Child is Near-Sighted?
Children will often let you know if they are struggling to see things clearly, or they may need to sit closer to screens and whiteboards to see the content properly. If you notice these signs, schedule an exam with a trusted eye doctor. Eye exams can not only show if your child has myopia but show the degree of near-sightedness and what sort of treatment can properly correct it. It is important to start such exams early so that your child doesn’t have trouble learning at school or enjoying common activities at home.