Myopia Control: Everything You Need To Know

What Is Myopia? 

Myopia—also known as nearsightedness—is a condition in which you can see objects up-close clearly, but far away objects appear blurry. This happens when corneas are too curved, or eyeballs are too long. These irregularities mean light entering the eye can’t properly focus on the retina. About 30% of the U.S. has myopia.

Typically, myopia is first seen in children around 8 to 12 years old. As we grow, so do our eyes. That’s why myopia progresses well into your 20s or until the eye stops growing. Myopia may also develop later on in life due to stress, eyestrain, or health conditions. 

Myopia Symptoms

Most Common Symptom

• Difficulty seeing objects in the distance
  • Objects look blurry
  • Road signs aren’t clear
  • Difficulty reading from far away

Other Symptoms

• Eyestrain
• Squinting 
• Headaches

Myopia Behaviors in Children

Myopia first appears in childhood, but children may have difficulty expressing nearsightedness and vision issues. Look for the following signs—they could indicate your child has myopia.

• Persistent squinting and blinking
• Seeming unaware of objects in the distance
• Frequent eye rubbing
• Sitting closely to the TV
• Having screens close to their face 
  • iPads, tablets, etc. 

Myopia Causes

Myopia is either hereditary or a result of behaviors and environment. Causes include:

• Genetics
• Prolonged close-up activities 
  • Reading
  • Being on a phone
  • Working on a laptop
• Too much time indoors
• Health conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Cataracts

Potential Risks

Even if you’re not genetically predisposed to myopia, eye diseases and health conditions can put you at risk for it. 

Potential risks include:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetes

Treatment and Diagnosis

Diagnosis

A myopia diagnosis should come from your eye doctor. A diagnosis typically happens after a comprehensive eye exam. During these exams, you’ll be asked to read letters on a chart, cover each eye, and more.  

Treatment

Myopia can’t be reversed—but living with myopia doesn’t have to be difficult. To treat myopia, most people simply wear glasses or contacts.  

Not a fan of glasses or contact lenses? Surgery is also an option. LASIK is a popular vision correction surgery with a high success rate of 94%-100%.  

NEOES: Trusted Experts in Myopia

Having difficulty seeing far away? Notice your child exhibiting myopic behaviors? We’re here to help.

Whether it’s you or a loved one, you can trust NEOES to give you award-winning service. We can help diagnose and treat myopia. Start by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam today. 

Sources Cited

Correct your child’s blurry vision and help it from getting worse! (no date) MiSight® 1 day for myopia control | CooperVision. Available at: https://www.misight.com/

Nearsightedness (2022) Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nearsightedness/symptoms-causes/syc-20375556

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