Light entering our eyes strikes the cornea, the clear outer surface of the eye, passes through the lens, and lands on the retina at the back of the eye. Myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, occurs when the cornea or lens is misshapen, causing the light to come into focus before reaching the retina. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects. If you have myopia or are looking for an optometrist near you, contact our team at Innovative Eye Care, serving the Bakersfield, CA, area.
At What Age Do People Get Myopia?
Nearsightedness often runs in families and can occur in children, teens, adults, and even people with diabetes. We commonly identify myopia symptoms when school-age children struggle in class and need to sit at the front of the classroom. At home, they may sit unusually close to the television. Approximately 30% of teenagers are diagnosed with nearsightedness, but the onset of myopia can occur at any age. If you or your child experience blurry vision when looking at distant objects, consult an eye doctor for an eye exam and treatment as needed.
How is Myopia Treated?
Myopia responds well to various treatments, with eyeglasses and contact lenses being the most common options. Other effective treatments include atropine drops, LASIK surgery, and Ortho-k lenses.
Are Atropine Eye Drops an Effective Myopia Treatment?
Low-dose atropine eye drops are a diluted form of the drops that doctors use to dilate the eyes during an exam. Atropine helps slow the progression of myopia. Your eye doctor should be aware of all your medications and medical conditions, as there can be complications when using these drops.
Do Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses Provide Myopia Management?
Eyeglasses and contact lenses are highly effective treatments for myopia. Which method offers the best myopia control for a specific patient depends on their age, lifestyle, tolerance for contact lenses, other eye conditions, and how they feel about wearing eyeglasses from a cosmetic standpoint.
How Does LASIK Surgery Treat Myopia?
Misshapen corneas are a leading cause of myopia. LASIK surgery reshapes the cornea so that the light passing through it falls correctly on the retina, thereby correcting your vision.
Contact Innovative Eye Care in Bakersfield, CA
If you live in or near Bakersfield and are looking for an optometrist near you, consider our team at Innovative Eye Care. Call (661) 213-3310 today or use our online request form to schedule an appointment.
