Vision Simulator

ABOUT NEARSIGHTEDNESS

About Nearsightedness & Myopia

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is an eye focusing condition that causes blurry vision when looking in the distance, but not when looking at near objects. Currently, 42% of the population has myopia, and the prevalence of myopia is increasing rapidly. Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, preventing light rays from being focused directly onto the retina. Myopia can also be caused by excessive curvature of the cornea, lens abnormalities, or accommodative (eye focusing) disorders. It is progressive visual disorder needing consistent attention by qualified eye care providers like MyEyeDr.

Why is Myopia considered an epidemic?

Myopia is an epidemic because diagnoses of myopia in children in the US has doubled over the course of just a single generation. What’s worse, researchers now predict that by 2050. 1 out of 2 people will have Myopia throughout adulthood. This would translate into almost 60 million kids under the age of 17 suffering from myopia. Onset can begin as early as age 6, and usually progresses in children until their eye stops growing around age 17. Early detection is the key to preventing the condition from getting worse and reduction of potentially serious complications later in life.

Risk factors?

• 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.

• Reading and close-up work. People who do a lot of reading, writing or computer work may be at increased risk of myopia. The amount of time you spend playing electronic games or even holding reading material too close has been associated with increased myopia. Some researchers think “focusing fatigue” from holding a book too close to your eyes for extended periods can increase the risk of myopia.

• Environmental conditions. Some studies support the idea that a lack of time spent outdoors may increase the chances of developing myopia. And studies further suggest that children who are outside more than a control set, have a significantly lower onset of new myopia in the group.

What are the symptoms?

• Persistent squinting

• Seeming to be unaware of or inability to see distant objects

• Excessive blinking

• Rubbing eyes frequently

• Poor grades or falling behind in school

What causes Myopia?

There isn’t necessarily one cause of myopic progression but rather a combination of factors. Parents that are nearsighted are more likely to have myopic offspring, but not always. It may be that parents who preferred to read a lot have kids that prefer the same activity. We do know that there are factors that contribute but how they vary from one child to another is difficult to gage. Factors like excessive reading (2-3 hours at a time), long term computer and digital device use, and some evidence that diet may be a variable. Also, children not spending enough time outside, and doing more near work.

What are the treatment options?

The most common way to treat myopia is with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses which refocus the light onto the retina. MyEyeDr. is your trusted partner in detecting and helping to treat Myopia. Therefore, contact lenses and/or glasses may not be the only treatment needed throughout one’s life, but with the myopic epidemic we are seeing today, combinations of the above treatments are needed. This is where MYOPIC CONTROL comes on the scene. We have desperately needed an intervention plan for decreasing the PROGRESSION of vision loss from myopia in children so that they will not be at a higher risk for myopia induced ocular disease, let alone the poor vision and the lifestyle changes it accompanies.

ABOUT FARSIGHTEDNESS

If you are under 40 and have trouble reading or seeing items that are close to you, then you might be farsighted (also known as hyperopia). Farsighted patients can sometimes even have trouble seeing far away or changing focus near to far. Farsightedness can be caused by the eyeball being too short, which prevents images from focusing on the retina. Treatment for farsightedness can include prescription eyeglasses, prescription contact lenses or surgeries like LASIK.

ABOUT PRESBYOPIA

Presbyopia is a common issue in people over 40 that reduces the ability to focus on things that are close like when reading. Because presbyopia is a natural change, it affects nearly 100 percent of people over age 45. The good news is that we can help with a variety of treatment options including prescription eyewear and prescription contact lenses.

ABOUT COLOR BLINDNESS

For most patients, color blindness is a misnomer. Patients with color blindness don’t see the world in black and white, but they have trouble distinguishing differences in colors. Not sure if your shirt is red, green or another color? Then, you may have a color deficiency. Since color deficiencies are inherited genetically in most cases, color blindness is more common in males (as many as 1 in 12) and can range from barely measurable to very severe. Our optometrists can help you understand your condition and learn to live more normally with it.

ABOUT CATARACTS

Sometimes, blurry vision can be a sign of cataracts. Other symptoms can include vision loss and distinct halos around lights. Cataracts are caused by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens and are the most common cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 40. Your doctor can help determine if cataracts are responsible for your vision changes and recommend the appropriate treatment options.

ABOUT GLAUCOMA

Glaucoma normally occurs in individuals over the age of 40 who have a family history of this eye disease and who also present with abnormally high intraocular pressure (IOP). This condition slowly compromises the optic nerve, resulting in loss of vision. Patients may not notice any symptoms until the damage is extensive. However, glaucoma can be diagnosed early on using retinal imaging and other tools during an annual eye exam. Treatment for glaucoma can include eye drops, prescription pills or surgery.

ABOUT ASTIGMATISM

Astigmatism is a common eye condition caused by an imperfection on the eye’s surface that results in blurred vision. The symptoms of astigmatism can include eye strain and fatigue from having trouble seeing clearly. Astigmatism affects two-thirds of the people in the US who suffer from nearsightedness. Treatment includes prescription glasses or specialty contact lenses, LASIK can also help.

ABOUT MACULAR DEGENERATION

If you have macular degeneration, you will notice that your vision is blurry and distorted and doesn’t seem to be improved. This condition, which changes the structure of the macula, is more common in those over the age of 60 and can be detected by the routine tests at your eye exam. Treatments include taking certain vitamins and surgery.