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Myopia – Nearsightedness

Myopia is also referred to as nearsightedness.  This is when you can see things that are close up well, but things that are out in the distance are hard to make out.  Myopia is the most common refractive error in vision.  

Myopia has also been on a steady incline since 1972.  Many doctors believe this to be because of the amount of fatigue that the eyes undergo daily as a result of our dramatically-increased used of computers, smartphones, tablets, and other devices that require fine focusing efforts from our eyes.

Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment of Myopia

Myopia happens when the eye is longer than normal.  This makes it so that light enters the eye and focuses on the front part of the retina as opposed to directly on it.  It can also can be caused by the cornea or lens having too much of a curve.  

Myopia is usually inherited, but it is not the only way that one can get myopia; the chances of you having the condition are higher if one or more of your parents suffer from myopia.  

One can develop myopia by how they use their eyes.  For example, if you spend a lot of time reading or working at a computer, there is a likely chance that you can develop myopia.  Myopia tends to occur in early childhood, and in most cases the child outgrows it as sight begins to stabilize in adulthood.

Some signs that you are suffering from myopia are:

  • Squinting
  • Eye strain
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

These are all factors that can be corrected with prescription glasses, contacts, or laser refractive surgery.  Depending on the severity of the myopia, you may only need to wear corrective lens for distant vision (such as when you are driving).

Myopia is progressive in nature, meaning that the prescription for corrective lenses needed to correct your case of myopia will need to be updated over time.

Myopia is considered a condition and not a disease, as one does not contract myopia, but rather is born with the tendencies to have vision issues due to myopia.  

If nearsightedness is causing you problems, or if your vision is impacted, we encourage you to visit our office for an eye exam with one of our Optometrists.

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