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Nearsighted (Myopia)

Nearsightedness, technically known as myopia, is a condition which causes difficulty focusing on objects at a distance, while near vision remains normal. Myopia is one of the most common vision problems worldwide and it is on the rise.

Myopia Signs and Symptoms

People with myopia are usually able to see well up close, but have difficulty seeing objects at a distance. Due to the fact that they may be straining or squinting to see into the distance, they may develop headaches, eye fatigue or eye strain.

Myopia Causes

Myopia is a refractive error caused by an elongated eye (longer than normal) or a irregularly shaped (steeper, or more curved, than nomral) cornea - both of which will affect the way light is focused on the retina. For clear vision, light should come to a focus point directly onto the retina. In myopia, the cornea is longer than usual, resulting in a focus point that falls in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry, while close objects can be seen normally.

Myopia typically has a genetic component as it often appears in multiple members of a family and it usually begins to show signs during childhood, often getting progressively worse until stabilizing around age 20. There may also be environmental factors that contribute to myopia such as work that requires focusing on close objects for an extended period of time and spending too much time indoors.

Diagnosis of Myopia

Myopia is diagnosed by an eye examination with an qualified optometrist. During the exam the optometrist will determine the visual acuity of the eye to prescribe eye glasses or contact lenses.

Treatment for Myopia

Myopia can be managed with corrective eyeglasses or therapeutic contact lenses.

We now have a special treatment lens that helps slow progression of myopia in kids when diagnosed in treated between the ages of 8 and 12 years of age. The MiSight Myopia Managment lens creates areas of optical defocus, which results in a reduction of the lengthening of the eyeball and ultimately a reduction in the progression of myopia over time.  This will reduce your child's lifetime risk of retinal detachment and other significant eye conditions.  Ask us about the Brilliant Futures Myopia Management System!