Today marks the first day of Myopia Awareness Week. It is time to focus our attention on a condition that affects a significant portion of the population: nearsightedness, also known as myopia. Myopia is more than just needing glasses to see distant objects clearly; it is a prevalent refractive error that demands our attention, particularly in the context of children’s eye health.
Nearsightedness is a refractive error in which close objects appear clear but distant objects appear blurred. According to the NIH, almost 40% of people in the United States are nearsighted. The development is influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Children with one or both nearsighted parents are at a higher risk of developing nearsightedness. Additionally, lifestyle habits such as spending less time outdoors and engaging in prolonged near work activities, like reading or using digital screens, contribute to its onset.
While myopia progression can be managed and corrected, it cannot be reversed. Treatment strategies may vary for each child, but early intervention and consistent management can help maintain optimal vision into adulthood.
Slowing progression is vital for long-term eye health. While glasses or regular contacts help with blurry vision, they do not stop myopia from worsening. As nearsightedness worsens, the risk of eye diseases like macular degeneration, retinal detachments, glaucoma, and cataracts increases, especially with age. Mitigating myopia reduces the likelihood of severe vision-threatening conditions.
Fortunately, there are measures we can take to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children:
LASIK can help correct nearsightedness (myopia). In nearsightedness, the curve of the cornea is too steep or the eye itself is somewhat elongated. This results in images being focused in front of the retina. LASIK corrects this condition by flattening the curvature of the cornea so that images are focused exactly on the retina.
At Thomas Eye Group, we have contact lens and eye drop options available to manage nearsightedness (myopia).
By raising awareness and taking the right steps, we can safeguard the vision and eye health of future generations. If you have been experiencing symptoms or are looking for a treatment, consult with your optometrist to learn more about our options and what might be right for you.
Click here to schedule a routine exam with one of our optometrists.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider. Section 1557 – Affordable Care Act (ACA)
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