What is Myopia?
Myopia, aka nearsightedness, is a condition that causes people to have clear vision at near but blurry vision when looking farther away. Nearsightedness may develop slowly or rapidly, often worsening during childhood and adolescence. Myopia may not always be apparent right away and it is important to know what signs to look for in your child.
Headaches
Sitting too close to the TV or computer
Excessive blinking
Fatigue
Complaining they can’t see in class
Squinting
A comprehensive eye exam can help determine the severity of nearsightedness or other refractive errors.
What are the risk factors?
There are a few risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing nearsightedness, such as:
Genetics: Nearsightedness tends to run in families. If one of your parents is nearsighted, your risk of developing the condition is increased. The risk is even higher if both parents are nearsighted.
Environmental conditions: Some studies support the idea that a lack of time spent outdoors may increase the chances of developing myopia.
Near work: A high amount of near work like reading or being on the computer can contribute to increased myopia.
What are the complications of Myopia?
A high nearsighted prescription puts you at an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy — damage in the central retinal area.
What can we do to help?
Addressing your child’s nearsightedness now may reduce the chance that they will develop sight-threatening complications later in life. Our Myopia Control Clinic provides the latest treatments that can slow down or halt the progression of myopia in children. In addition to providing glasses for clear vision, our services include options for controlling the progression of myopia.
Our optometrists are highly trained and qualified to provide cutting edge solutions to slow the progression of myopia in children.
Schedule an exam today to learn more about what we can do by providing the latest advancements in myopia management.