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What is Myopia?
Myopia, is commonly referred to as nearsightedness. This prevalent eye condition makes distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. Fortunately, myopia can be easily diagnosed through a routine eye exam and effectively managed with prescription lenses or refractive surgery.
How is Myopia Treated?
Nearsightedness is corrected by focusing light directly on your retina with corrective lenses or surgery. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can counteract the increased curve of the cornea or length of the eye to improve distance vision, but for a long-term solution, refractive surgery can be a practical option. Surgical options include:
Prescription Lenses
Prescription lenses, either glasses or contacts, are the most common method of treating myopia. Our opticians create custom eyeglass lenses or order a supply of contact lenses that function by redirecting the way light enters your eye. The lens prescription corrects the refractive error caused by your myopia, allowing you to see clearly again.
LASIK
Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis, or LASIK, is a popular refractive surgery that uses a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting myopia by allowing light to focus more precisely on the retina. The procedure is quick, involves minimal discomfort, and typically provides rapid vision improvement.
PRK
Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) also reshapes the cornea with a laser, but unlike LASIK, it removes the cornea’s outer layer, which then regrows naturally. This option is best for patients with thin corneas, requiring a longer recovery time but offering a high success rate in improving myopia.
SMILE
SMILE, or Small Incision Lenticule Extraction, is a less invasive refractive surgery that creates a small, lens-shaped piece of tissue with a laser that is removed through a tiny incision. This procedure has a quick recovery period and is best for patients with myopia, with or without astigmatism, offering minimal risk of dry eye symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Myopia?
Myopia is typically characterized by the inability to see distant objects, while closer objects remain clear. Symptoms include:
Distant objects appear blurry
Frequent squinting to bring distant objects into focus
Eyes feel strained or tired more often
Needing to sit close to the TV/classroom blackboard or needing to hold books or screens close
Frequent headaches
Trouble driving at night
When Should You See a Doctor for Myopia?
It’s time to seek out an eye doctor once your nearsightedness has gotten to the point daily activities are becoming more difficult. If you find you can’t easily see road signs, whiteboards, TVs, or screens, have trouble driving, or have frequent, painful headaches, you need to get your vision corrected.
How Does The EyeDoctors Optometrists Diagnose Myopia?
Myopia is typically diagnosed during a routine eye exam. There are multiple different tests your eye doctor may perform to better understand the severity of your refractive error, but the most common test to determine if you are nearsighted or not uses a Snellen Eye Chart. This specialized tool contains lines of letters with each successive line containing letters in a smaller font size.
Your doctor will ask you to read from this chart as far down as you can. Depending at what point you can no longer clearly make out the letters, your doctor may diagnose you with myopia.
Other tests your doctor will likely use to determine your prescription include:
Slit-lamp tests: Used to look at your cornea for curvatures that would create refraction errors
Refraction tests: Utilize a phoropter (the “binoculars” eye doctors place in front of your face) to determine the exact prescription measurement
Frequently Asked Questions About Nearsightedness
Correct Refractive Errors with the Specialists at The EyeDoctors Optometrists
Myopia can make seeing distant objects difficult, interfering with essential daily tasks like driving. We can complete a comprehensive eye exam online or in person, ensuring you have access to critical eye care no matter where you are. Comprehensive eye exams are recommended at least once every two years for adults over 20 to monitor their vision and catch any potential problems early.
Through a basic eye exam, our refractive error experts can enhance your distance vision and maintain your overall eye health. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of nearsightedness, schedule an appointment at The EyeDoctors Optometrists to take the first step towards clear vision.