Nearsightedness (Myopia)
Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a visual condition where you can see objects that are close up just fine, but objects in the distance are blurry. The reason you are nearsighted can be due to the shape of your eye. When it bends incorrectly, images will be focused in front of your retina rather than on it. If you are experiencing vision problems due to myopia, contact our optometrists at Eye 1st Vision Center in Sandy Springs for an eye exam appointment. Our eye doctors can provide treatment for myopia.
How Does Nearsightedness Occur?
Nearsightedness can develop gradually or very rapidly. It often comes on during childhood and progresses rapidly until adolescence. In most cases, this condition runs in families, therefore, if one of your parents is nearsighted, there is a chance that you will be. If both of your parents are nearsighted, your risk is even higher.
What Are the Symptoms Of Nearsightedness?
If you are nearsighted, the symptoms are often quite obvious. The more nearsighted you are, the worse your symptoms will be. These include:
- Objects in the distance appearing blurry
- Needing to squint or close one eye to see distance objects
- Difficult while driving, especially at night
- Headaches that are caused by straining your eyes
The symptoms in children can also include:
- Excessive blinking
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Being unaware of objects in the distance
- Sitting close to the television
How Is Nearsightedness Diagnosed?
This condition can be diagnosed during an eye exam. Our eye doctors will test your visual acuity. During this exam, our eye doctors may dilate your eyes to get a better view to rule out other conditions that could be causing your vision problems, such as farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism.
How Is Nearsightedness Treated?
There are a few treatment methods for nearsightedness.
- Eyeglasses: Our optometrists can prescribe a pair of eyeglasses that can help with your vision.
- Contact Lenses: Our doctors of optometry can prescribe scleral lenses to help correct your nearsightedness. Contacts can be adjusted to your eyes and are convenient and comfortable.
- LASIK Surgery: LASIK is a form of laser surgery that corrects refractive errors. After the surgery, you would no longer need to rely on glasses or contact lenses.
- Orthokeratology: If you aren't a good candidate for LASIK, orthokeratology is an excellent option. This procedure involves wearing special lenses during the night. While you sleep, they change the shape of your eye, making your vision clear when you wake up in the morning. For a lasting effect, you would need to wear contacts every night. After a certain amount of time, your eyes will return to their original shape, causing your nearsighted symptoms to return.
It is important to schedule your eye appointments with Eye 1st Vision Center in Sandy Springs. Whether you are suffering from nearsightedness or farsightedness, our doctors of optometry can help you find the best treatment method for your condition and lifestyle. Contact us today at (404) 252-1702.