The American Optometric Association recommends regular eye checkups to catch myopia symptoms when it’s easier to manage. Treatment options include contact lenses and conventional glasses, but they do not slow eye growth or stop nearsightedness. Dr. Melanie Frogozo develops myopia therapeutic solutions based on your diagnosis.
Understanding myopia eye problems
Myopia is a prevalent optometric condition where the eyeball becomes too elongated to correctly focus light. That leads the cornea to project the image slightly in front of the eye. The refractive error describes the variation in how light projects on the retina.
Nearsightedness often causes blurred vision when the object is far away. But people with short-sightedness can perceive closer items.
Common myopia symptoms include:
- Eye strain and blurred vision
- Squinting when viewing distant objects
- Headaches due to eye strain
- Eye fatigue after driving or sporting activities
Types of myopia
The eyeball typically stops growing during the teen years. In such cases, it may limit the progression of myopia. But for some patients, the problem may continue into their 30s.
Degenerative myopia is one of the reasons your eyeball may continue growing into adulthood. It causes changes to the fundus, the center of the retina opposite the lens. The condition is the result of genetic factors and runs in families.
Degenerative myopia can cause retinal detachment and complications related to blood vessel development. It is one of the leading factors for loss of sight in adults.
Another type is high myopia, described as nearsightedness with a refractive error of more than -6. The eye condition often occurs when the axial length of the retina is elongated, but the optical lens is still working correctly.
High myopia is a genetic condition that starts in childhood but stabilizes in adulthood. If untreated, it presents a higher risk of glaucoma and retinal detachment. Other complications include optic nerve damage and retinal hemorrhage.
Can you decrease myopia progression?
People of all ages can take steps to limit the progression of nearsightedness. Develop a habit of taking five-minute breaks when using digital devices. Eye exercises can help strengthen muscles and stop the eyeball’s elongation.
Smoking also increases your eye’s susceptibility to myopia complications. Nicotine can activate critical receptors that worsen the refraction error.
Taking a balanced diet can minimize the effects of inflammation on myopia. Parents are encouraged to incorporate foods rich in vitamins A and C into the family diet. Leafy vegetables protect the eye from light radiation that could damage the retina.
Treatment options for myopia
Glasses and contact lenses are used to correct the eye’s refractive error and improve eyesight. But to stop further eyeball growth, your provider may recommend hard contact lenses.
Hard contact lenses are ideal for children with nearsightedness. Research suggests they limit myopia progression by a factor of 29%.
Atropine treatment involves applying eye drops to dilate the pupils. It not only corrects vision, but it can also stop myopia progression. Your optometrist will consider your symptoms before choosing a suitable treatment plan.
Contact Almo Eye Care to schedule an optometric appointment today.
