Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia (Nearsightedness) is a common eye condition where someone experiences difficulty in focusing on things that are far away. Myopia can be treated through prescription glasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

What is Myopia

Myopia is the medical name for nearsightedness. It happens when the eyes can see nearby objects. However, they struggle to see things that are farther away, like road signs.

This eye condition affects a significant number of people. The International Myopia Institute estimates that about 2.5 million people have myopia worldwide. Experts expect this number to grow in the coming years because of lifestyle changes.

What are the Causes and Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia happens when the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped front of the eye) is too curved or if the eyeball is too long. As a result, the eyes do not refract the light correctly, which causes blurry distance vision.

A mix of hereditary and environmental factors can cause this eye condition. If any of your parents are myopic or if your eyes do a lot of close-up work, like working at a computer, you’re at higher risk of developing myopia.

Symptoms of myopia include:

• • Unaware of distant objects
• • Frequent involuntary squinting
• • Excessive blinking
• • Itchiness
• • Eye strain
• • Headaches

How to Manage Myopia

Several treatment options are available for individuals with nearsightedness to improve their distance vision. Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses can effectively correct nearsightedness in both children and adults. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may not need to wear glasses every day during specific activities. However, if you have severe nearsightedness, you may need to wear them continuously.

Another option is orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K. This nonsurgical procedure uses special contact lenses.

These lenses slowly change the shape of your cornea. This change helps light enter your eyes better, improving your focus. At George Optical, we will recommend the most suitable treatment for your myopia based on your individual visual needs.