Myopia is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision, making it difficult to see clearly at a distance.

Causes and Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia is typically caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Research has shown that children of myopic parents are more likely to develop myopia themselves. Additionally, factors such as excessive near-work activities, such as prolonged reading, using digital devices, and lack of outdoor time, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia. The primary symptoms of myopia include:

• Blurred vision when looking at distant objects

• Squinting or straining to see clearly

• Headaches or eye strain after prolonged near-work activities

• Difficulty with night driving or seeing in low-light conditions

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the extent of your myopia and explore the available management options.

The Role of Regular Eye Exams in Early Detection of Myopia

Regular eye exams play a crucial role in the early detection and management of myopia. During these exams, our optometrist can measure the curvature of your cornea, the length of your eye, and the focusing power of your lens to determine the degree of your myopia.

By identifying myopia early, our eye doctor can recommend appropriate treatment options to slow its progression and prevent it from worsening over time. This proactive approach can help preserve your long-term vision health and reduce the risk of associated complications.

The Importance of Myopia Management

By addressing myopia at an early stage, we can reduce the risk of complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Additionally, managing myopia in children is essential for their academic performance, overall eye health, and quality of life. By actively managing your myopia, you can take proactive steps to preserve your vision and reduce the risk of these complications, ensuring a better quality of life now and in the future.

Myopia Management Methods

There are several effective myopia management methods available to help slow the progression of your condition. These include:

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves the use of specialized, gas-permeable contact lenses that are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This reshaping helps to improve distance vision, reducing the need for corrective lenses during the day. Ortho-K has been shown to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.

Atropine eye drops is a medication that can be prescribed in low doses to help slow the progression of myopia. These eye drops work by relaxing the focusing muscles of the eye, which can help reduce the rate of eye growth and myopia progression. Low-dose atropine has been found to be a safe and effective option for myopia management, particularly in children.

Dual focus soft contact lenses are designed with a unique optical design that provides clear distance vision while also incorporating a peripheral defocus effect. This peripheral defocus helps to slow the elongation of the eye, which is a key factor in the progression of myopia. Dual focus soft contact lenses have been shown to be effective in slowing myopia progression in children and young adults.

Our optometrists can determine the most suitable myopia management method based on your individual needs, age, and the severity of your condition.

At Optometry Medical Group, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care and specialized myopia management services to our patients. Our practice is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and the latest advancements in myopia management methods, allowing us to provide you with the most effective and innovative treatments. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through every step of the myopia management process, providing you with the support and guidance you need.

​​​​​​​Take the first step towards better vision and schedule an appointment with Optometry Medical Group today. Our experts are ready to work with you to develop a personalized myopia management plan and help you achieve your vision goals.