Myopia 101: A Basic Understanding of Nearsightedness

Myopia (also known as nearsightedness) is the most common refractive error; in fact, experts predict that almost 50% of the world’s population will be affected by myopia by the year 2050. In this article from your eye care clinic Six One Six Vision Center, your eye doctor sheds light on the condition and how you can manage it.

Defining Myopia

Myopia is not an eye disease, but rather an eye-focusing disorder. Patients with myopia have no trouble seeing things up close, but struggle to see distant objects clearly. The condition is caused by having an irregularly shaped eyeball, which causes light rays to be focused in front of the retina instead of directly on its surface.

Myopia typically develops in childhood and usually stabilizes in early adulthood. Your eye doctor explains that it’s a hereditary condition, which means your chances of having myopia are higher if either of your parents are nearsighted.

Spotting the Symptoms

Hallmark symptoms of myopia include headaches, having to squint to see properly and eyestrain due to the subconscious effort of your eyes to focus on distant objects. These symptoms may be apparent in children aged eight to 12. If you or your child experiences any of these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye doctor as soon as possible.

Treating Myopia

Myopia can be managed with the help of corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses, and refractive surgery such as photorefractive keratectomy or LASIK. An alternative, non-surgical treatment option is orthokeratology, in which gas permeable lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea.

Turn to your expert optometrist  at Six One Six Vision Center for all your eye care needs. You may contact us at (208) 514-1858. We work with patients in Boise and Eagle, ID.