Nearsightedness, also known as myopia, is a common vision condition affecting millions of people worldwide. When you're nearsighted, distant objects appear blurry while close ones remain clear. Understanding the causes of nearsightedness and how to manage or treat it is essential for maintaining healthy vision.
Our Santa Clara eye care team at Eye Boutique Optometry discusses further below.
What Causes Nearsightedness?
Myopia typically develops when the eyeball grows too long from front to back, or the cornea (the eye's clear front cover) is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina, rather than directly on it, resulting in blurry vision.
There are several factors that contribute to myopia:
- Genetics: A family history of nearsightedness is one of the most significant risk factors. If one or both parents are nearsighted, their children are more likely to develop myopia.
- Environmental Factors: Spending long hours reading, using a computer, or focusing on nearby objects can strain the eyes and may increase the risk of developing myopia, especially in children. Limited time spent outdoors has also been linked to a higher risk of myopia.
- Age: Myopia often begins in childhood and can worsen during the teenage years as the eyes continue to grow. It usually stabilizes in early adulthood but may continue to progress in some cases.
Managing and Treating Nearsightedness in Santa Clara
While myopia cannot be completely cured, there are several effective ways to manage and treat it, preventing it from worsening, and improving quality of life for those affected.
1. Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses
The most common treatment for nearsightedness is prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. These corrective lenses help focus light properly onto the retina, providing clearer vision. While they don’t stop myopia from progressing, they can improve day-to-day vision and comfort.
2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical treatment option that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses to reshape the cornea overnight. This allows the wearer to enjoy clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K is particularly effective for children and teenagers and can slow the progression of myopia.
3. Myopia Control with Atropine Therapy
In some cases, doctors may prescribe atropine eye drops to slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops are typically used at low concentrations and have been shown to effectively reduce the rate at which nearsightedness worsens over time.
4. Scleral Lenses
For individuals with more complex vision needs, such as those with severe myopia or conditions like keratoconus, scleral lenses are a great option. These larger, rigid lenses provide superior vision correction and comfort, offering an alternative to traditional contacts or glasses.
Why Myopia Management Matters
Managing myopia early can prevent it from worsening into more severe conditions. High myopia increases the risk of serious eye health issues later in life, including glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. This is why it's so important for parents to monitor their children's vision, particularly if there's a family history of nearsightedness.
At Eye Boutique Optometry, we specialize in myopia management and offer advanced treatment options like Ortho-K and atropine therapy to help control the progression of nearsightedness.
If you're concerned about your child's vision or your own, we encourage you to schedule an appointment to discuss your options and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.