Myopia is a vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. If you're one of them, you know how frustrating it can be to struggle with blurry distance vision and the constant need for corrective lenses. But the good news is that there have been some exciting advancements in myopia treatment in recent years.

What Is Myopia and How Does It Affect Vision?

Myopia is a refractive error that occurs when the eye is unable to focus light properly onto the retina. Instead, the light is focused in front of the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision. This happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved.
 

As a result, people with myopia can see clearly up close but struggle to make out details in the distance. This can make everyday activities like driving, watching TV, or playing sports challenging and frustrating. Myopia is often first diagnosed in childhood and can worsen over time if left untreated.
 

Causes and Risk Factors of Myopia

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of myopia, including:
 

• Genetics: Myopia often runs in families, and children with parents who are nearsighted are more likely to develop the condition.

• Environment: Spending too much time on close-up activities, such as reading, using digital devices, or working at a computer, can increase the risk of myopia.

• Age: Myopia typically begins in childhood and can continue to worsen during the teenage years.

Understanding the underlying causes of your myopia can help you and your eye care professional develop the most effective treatment plan.

Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred distance vision. You may find it difficult to see clearly at a distance, such as when driving or watching a movie. Other common symptoms of myopia include:
 

• Squinting or straining to see distant objects

• Headaches or eye strain after prolonged close-up work

• Difficulty seeing the board or screen at school or work

• Frequent need to sit closer to the front of the room or screen

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam to diagnose your condition and determine the best course of treatment.

Traditional Treatment Options for Myopia

For many years, the primary treatment options for myopia have been:
 

• Prescription glasses or contact lenses: These correct the refractive error by bending light in a way that allows it to focus properly on the retina.

• Refractive surgery: Procedures like LASIK or PRK use laser technology to reshape the cornea and improve focus.

While these treatments can be effective in managing myopia, they don't address the underlying cause of the condition or prevent it from progressing over time. That's where the latest advancements in myopia treatment come into play.

The Latest Advances in Myopia Treatment

One of the most exciting new developments in myopia treatment is Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K for short. Ortho-K is a non-surgical procedure that uses specially designed contact lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea and improve vision.
 

Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight while you sleep. The lenses gently mold the cornea, flattening its center and steepening its periphery. This changes the way light enters the eye, allowing it to focus properly on the retina. In the morning, you can remove the lenses and enjoy clear, sharp vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contact lenses. Ortho-K is a great option for people who want to reduce their dependence on glasses or contacts and take a more proactive approach to managing their myopia.
 

Another recent advancement in myopia treatment is the introduction of MiSight contact lenses. These specialized lenses are designed specifically to slow the progression of myopia in children. MiSight lenses work by creating a unique optical zone that controls the focus of light entering the eye. This helps to slow the elongation of the eyeball, which is the primary cause of myopia progression. By addressing the underlying cause of the condition, these lenses offer a promising solution for managing myopia and preserving vision health.

Book a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Westchester Eyes Today 

The latest advancements in myopia treatment, such as Ortho-K and MiSight contact lenses, are giving people with nearsightedness more options than ever before to take control of their vision. By addressing the root causes of myopia and slowing its progression, these innovative treatments can help you maintain clear, sharp vision and reduce your dependence on corrective lenses.
 

If you're interested in exploring the latest myopia treatment options, Westchester Eyes can help. We are dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive care to help you achieve your best possible vision. Visit our office in White Plains, New York, or call (914) 946-4100 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards taking control of your myopia.