Myopia

Myopia, often known as nearsightedness, is a common visual impairment affecting over 40% of Americans. This condition causes individuals to have difficulties seeing objects that are far away. It is usually diagnosed during childhood but can also be diagnosed later in life.

Living with myopia can profoundly affect a person’s life and make it difficult to participate in various activities. Individuals with myopia may struggle to see the board during class or be unable to drive without corrective lenses. Though glasses and contacts are typically effective for nearsightedness, some patients find these lenses hinder recreational activities.

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Nearsightedness occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light rays entering the eye are focused in front of the retina instead of on it. This causes distant objects to appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. 

Symptoms of myopia may include squinting, eyestrain, headaches, and difficulty seeing distant objects such as road signs or the whiteboard in a classroom. Myopia can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, which may include a visual acuity test, a refraction test, and an examination of the back of the eye to evaluate the shape of the eyeball and determine the severity of the condition.

Nearsightedness is often genetic and tends to run in families. However, there are several other risk factors. Environmental factors, such as prolonged use of digital devices, reading in dim lighting, and insufficient time spent outdoors, are among the top causes of myopia in both children and adults. 

A high degree of myopia increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. The primary goal is to correct nearsightedness and improve the patient’s quality of life, but it’s also essential to monitor their eye health over time and watch for other conditions.

The shape of the eyeball is what causes myopia. When the eyeball is elongated, it causes the light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry distance vision. Alternatively, the curvature of the cornea or the eye lens may also cause light to focus incorrectly. This causes objects at a distance to appear blurry and out of focus.

Vold Vision offers several options for correcting and managing myopia. One of our eye doctors can assess your eyes and help you determine the best option. 

Laser Vision Correction

If you want permanent vision correction without the hassle of daily contacts or glasses, our ophthalmologists perform multiple laser vision procedures. We may recommend LASIK, SMILE, or PRK eye surgery, depending on your eye health and lifestyle. These procedures use a laser to reshape the cornea, correcting refractive errors like myopia and hyperopia.

Lens Replacement and Implants

Patients who want lasting vision correction but are over 40 may benefit from refractive lens exchange (RLE). This procedure replaces your eye’s natural lens with a synthetic lens that restores clear vision. The benefit of RLE is that it also prevents presbyopia and cataracts.

Alternatively, we can place a permanent lens implant (EVO ICL) without removing the natural lens. EVO ICL is ideal for moderate to high nearsightedness. 

Glasses or Contact Lenses

The most common treatment for nearsightedness is corrective lenses. Your eye doctor at Vold Vision can prescribe glasses or contact lenses and help you select the best option for your needs. Our optical shop has a range of options, including multiple types and styles.

Take the Next Step

To learn more about glaucoma, schedule a consultation with one of the providers at Vold Vision. Throughout your entire laser vision correction journey, you will have your very own Vold liaison to assist you with any questions you have. Our patient care counselors are available by text, phone, or email and no question is too small for them to answer. To schedule a consultation, fill out the consultation request form below, or call or text (479) 442-8653.

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