What Does it Mean to Be Nearsighted? Let’s Break Down a Myopia Diagnosis
Receiving a myopia diagnosis is one of the more common conditions you may receive when visiting an eye doctor. Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, affects nearly 3 of every 10 Americans, according to the American Optometric Association.
So let’s break down what this affliction is, and what can be done about it.
What is myopia?
Myopia is also known as being nearsighted, which is a common eye focusing disorder due to the eye growing too long. This is when close-up objects look clear, but distant objects are blurry. As an example, you might be able to clearly read a book, but might have trouble seeing well enough to drive a car without proper treatment (hint: it could be glasses or contact lenses!).
How do you discover if you’re nearsighted?
An eye exam! Nearsightedness can be easily diagnosed during a basic eye exam. This is why there are many organizations, including schools all over the country and nonprofits like the Glazer Vision Foundation, dedicated to offering vision screenings for children. If a child needs glasses and gets them early on, it could provide lifelong benefits.
An eye exam can also help to determine if you’re farsighted — review this video by optometrist Joseph Allen, OD, to learn more about the difference! We’ll also share it at the bottom of this article.
What are treatment options for myopia?
Corrective lenses, like prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, are very common treatments for nearsightedness. Wearing corrective lenses treats nearsightedness by “counteracting the increased curve of your cornea or the increased length of your eye,” according to Mayo Clinic.
Refractive surgery is also a possibility and can reduce the need for glasses or contacts. Be sure to consult your eyecare professional about surgical options at your disposal if that’s something you’d like to consider.
Options to try slowing the progression of nearsightedness include (according to Mayo Clinic) increased time outside, dual focus contact lenses, night time contact lenses that help reshape your cornea, or atropine eyedrops. Ask your eye doctor about these options if you’re interested in learning more!
Where can I find affordable eye exams for children?
This is a section from one of our previous blog posts about eye exams for children. We know how important it is to take care of our kiddos, so we thought it important to share once again!
Aside from your local private practices, many public schools offer children’s vision screenings and eye examinations for fair prices. If a teacher notices a child struggling to see in the classroom, they might recommend such an eye exam to be completed as soon as possible.
Many national networks also exist to help parents find affordable eye care for their kids. The Lions Club, for example, partners with Johnson & Johnson to create Sight for Kids, a large network of school-based eye care programs specifically for children in many countries around the world. Likewise, Children’s National offers a network of eyecare professionals and solutions for kids throughout America.
