ABOUT MYOPIA
About 40 percent of the population in our country are diagnosed with nearsightedness, or myopia, making it one of the most diagnosed refractive vision impairments. It is a refractive error that causes struggles with or a lack of ability to see items or focal points that are not close to the eye. This means that far-away things or images may appear fuzzy, or the patient may not be able to make them out altogether. If you are myopic, there are several choices to address it and help enhance your far vision. At our office in Bloomington, IN, our team diagnose and treat refractive errors, like myopia, and provide appropriate solutions that are best for your lifestyle. Contact The Eye Center of Southern Indiana to receive a refractive exam if you are experiencing differences in your sight or are having difficulty seeing from a distance.
HOW IS MYOPIA TREATED?
Diagnosing myopia is truly simple and is typically done with a routine vision acuity evaluation. The majority of people have seen this test, which usually involves reading letters ranging in size on an eye chart. Further familiar evaluations that are often performed use a phoropter (also called a refractor) and a retinoscope (a tiny light) to test how your retinas refract light. Myopia can be treated through prescribed eyeglasses or contacts to enhance vision. Often, patients choose to use both glasses and contacts to suit their unique routines. Many people may also be candidates for laser vision correction surgery for long-term results.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MYOPIA?
For most patients, the first noticeable sign of myopia is blurry or hazy vision that occurs when trying to focus on items from a distance away. Many people may also experience other issues caused by constant squinting. Eye strain, also called eye fatigue or asthenopia, may cause constantly sore or dry eyes. Eye fatigue will often lead to light sensitivity and pain in the neck and shoulders. Occasionally, people who already wear eyeglasses or contacts for nearsightedness begin to develop these symptoms. This is a good indication your prescription needs to be updated. Schedule an eye exam at The Eye Center of Southern Indiana to learn about your treatment options.
MYOPIA FAQS
What causes myopia?
The primary cause of myopia is a refractive error which results from the abnormal shape of your eye. When the eyeball is too long or when the cornea has too much curvature, it causes light to be focused in front of the retina. The Eye Center of Southern Indiana can diagnose and treat refractive errors like myopia with the latest technology and techniques.
Does nearsightedness get worse over time?
Nearsightedness may worsen in children during their growth years or gradually in adults due to age-related eyestrain. However, this level of progression varies between individuals. Our Bloomington, IN, team can help you keep track of your vision changes and determine the best treatments to address any issues.
What is the best treatment for nearsightedness?
An eye care professional can explain the various options available for treating myopia. These can include corrective lenses such as glasses and contacts, or laser vision correction surgery. An assessment of your individual needs and lifestyle will help determine the best treatment option for your needs.
GET CLEAR VISION TODAY!
Patients in Bloomington, IN with myopia have excellent treatment options to choose from. Using prescription lenses or receiving laser surgery can seriously enhance quality of life. Visit The Eye Center of Southern Indiana to learn more or arrange your eye exam with one of our highly qualified optometrists to determine which of these options is the best fit for you.