Myopia 101: What is it and How to Manage Your Symptoms

Myopia is a refractive error, a condition where light doesn't correctly focus on your retina due to the shape of your eyeball. Instead of forming an image on the retina, light focuses in front of it, resulting in blurry vision when looking at distant objects. The condition is increasingly becoming common, with some reports suggesting that by the year 2050, almost 

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision condition that affects one's ability to see distant objects clearly while retaining the ability to see near objects with clarity. It is often diagnosed in childhood and progresses through adolescence before stabilizing in early adulthood. The degree of myopia can vary from mild, where vision is slightly blurred at a distance, to severe, where one's ability to see anything but the very closest objects is affected.

From a technical perspective, myopia results from a mismatch between your eye's optical power and its length. In a normal eye, the cornea and lens focus light precisely on the retina. However, in a myopic eye, the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is overly curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina, leading to blurred distance vision.

What are the Common Symptoms of Myopia?

As for the common symptoms of myopia, they can vary based on the severity of the condition. You might find yourself squinting or straining your eyes to see distant objects clearly. There might be frequent headaches caused by eye strain, and you may notice difficulty seeing while driving, particularly at night. Children and adolescents with myopia might not be aware of their condition, as they can see near objects clearly and may not report any vision problems.

How to Manage Your Symptoms

Myopia management involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medical treatments. The first step is to have regular eye examinations, as they can help detect myopia early and monitor its progression. If you have been diagnosed with myopia, your eye doctor will suggest the best course of treatment based on your specific needs.

What are the Medical Treatments for Myopia?

As for medical treatments for myopia, they range from corrective eyewear, such as glasses or contact lenses, to refractive surgery. Eyeglasses are the most common and safest method to correct myopia. Contact lenses provide a wider field of vision and can be a good option for people involved in sports or other physical activities. Refractive surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, can correct myopia by reshaping the cornea, leading to improved vision.

Managing Your Myopia for Optimal Eye Health

Living with myopia can be challenging, but it's crucial to remember that it's a manageable condition. With the right medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments, you can lead a normal life without significant disruptions. Regular eye examinations, following the 20-20-20 rule, and spending more time outdoors are all simple yet effective ways to manage your myopia symptoms.

To learn more about myopia and how to manage your symptoms, visit Jeffrey H. Brown Optometry at our offie in Costa Mesa, California. Our team aims to provide the finest eye care every day! Call (714) 710-8062 to schedule your eye exam today.