Myopia FAQs
After light strikes the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye, it passes through the lens before landing on the back of the eye, the retina. Nearsightedness or myopia results from misshapen corneas or lenses, which causes light to focus ahead of the retina, leading to blurry vision when looking at distant objects. If you have myopia or need an optometrist near you, consider our 20/20 Vision Center team serving the Greenville and Washington, NC, areas.
At What Age Do People Get Myopia?
Nearsightedness often runs in families and can affect children, teens, and adults, as well as those with diabetes. Myopia is often diagnosed when children have difficulty seeing well in school and need to sit at the front of class. Parents also notice their children sitting unusually close to the television. Nevertheless, myopia’s onset can occur at any age, so if you or your child has difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, consult an eye doctor for an eye exam and visual acuity testing.
How Is Myopia Treated?
Thankfully, myopia responds well to many treatments and is most often addressed with corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. Atropine drops, Ortho-k lenses, and LASIK surgery are also effective treatments.
Can Atropine Eye Drops Provide Myopia Control?
Low-dose atropine eye drops are a diluted version of the eye drops optometrists use to dilate your eyes. Atropine drops can slow or control myopia’s progress. Be sure that your eye doctor knows about all your medications and medical conditions to prevent any potential complications from these drops.
Are Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses Used for Myopia Treatment?
Eyeglasses and contact lenses are the most common myopia treatments. The best method for an individual depends on age, lifestyle, ability to tolerate contact lenses, and other eye conditions. A proper contact lens exam determines if you are a candidate for contacts rather than eyeglasses.
How Does LASIK Surgery Treat Myopia?
Myopia often results from misshapen corneas. LASIK surgery is commonly used to reshape the corneas so the light passing through them lands correctly on the retina. LASIK surgery has the advantage of permanently correcting your myopia.
20/20 Vision Center, Your Optometrist in Greenville and Washington, NC
If you experience myopia, need eyeglasses or contacts, or other eye care from an optometrist near you, contact the 20/20 Vision Center team in Greenville at (252) 754-2020, or Washington at (252) 501-0403, or book an appointment online.