Myopia is a common refractive error that affects the way your eyes focus light. When you have myopia, light entering your eye is focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This causes distant objects to appear blurred, while nearby objects remain clear.

Myopia typically develops during childhood and can continue to progress throughout the teenage years. As the eye grows, the distance between the front of the eye and the retina increases, leading to a worsening of myopia over time. This progression can result in higher degrees of myopia, which can increase the risk of serious vision problems later in life, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration.
 

Common Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred distance vision. You may find yourself squinting or struggling to see clearly when looking at objects that are far away, such as the blackboard at school, road signs, or the faces of people across the room. Other common symptoms of myopia include:

• Headaches or eye strain, especially after prolonged close-up work
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low-light conditions
• Frequent eye rubbing or squinting
• Sitting closer to the television or computer screen

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye exam with an eye care professional to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
 

Factors That Affect the Progression of Myopia

The progression of myopia can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:

• Genetics: Research has shown that children with one or both parents who have myopia are more likely to develop the condition and experience faster progression.
• Age: Myopia typically begins in childhood and often progresses most rapidly during the pre-teen and teenage years. The earlier myopia develops, the faster it tends to progress.
• Time Spent on Near-Work Activities: Prolonged periods of close-up activities, such as reading, studying, using digital devices, and playing video games, have been linked to an increased risk of myopia progression.
• Outdoor Time and Exposure to Daylight: Studies suggest that spending more time outdoors and being exposed to natural light may help slow the progression of myopia.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as those of Asian descent, have a higher prevalence of myopia and faster progression rates.

Understanding these factors can help you and your eye care professional develop a comprehensive myopia management plan to slow the progression of your condition.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Myopia management is crucial because the higher the degree of myopia, the greater the risk of developing sight-threatening complications later in life. High myopia, defined as a prescription of -6.00 diopters or more, is associated with an increased risk of:

• Retinal detachment: The retina can become thin and weakened, leading to a tear or separation from the back of the eye.
• Glaucoma: Increased eye pressure can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss.
• Myopic macular degeneration: The macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision, can become damaged and scarred.
• Cataracts: Myopia is a risk factor for the development of cataracts, a clouding of the eye's natural lens.

By actively managing myopia and slowing its progression, you can reduce the likelihood of these serious complications and preserve your long-term eye health.

Myopia Control Strategies and Treatments

There are several effective strategies and treatments available to help control the progression of myopia:

• Specialized Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses: Certain types of eyeglasses or contact lenses, such as multifocal or orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been found to be effective in reducing the rate of myopia progression in children.
• Outdoor Time and Daylight Exposure: Increasing the amount of time spent outdoors and exposure to natural light can help slow the progression of myopia.
• Limiting Near-Work Activities: Reducing the amount of time spent on close-up activities, such as reading, using digital devices, and playing video games, can help mitigate the risk of myopia progression.

Your eye care professional can work with you to develop a personalized myopia management plan that combines one or more of these strategies to best suit your individual needs and lifestyle.
 

Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam with True Vision Optometry Today

Myopia is a common and often progressive vision condition that can have serious long-term consequences if left untreated. However, by understanding the factors that contribute to its progression and taking proactive steps to manage your myopia, you can help protect your vision and reduce the risk of sight-threatening complications.
 

Work closely with your eye doctor to develop a personalized myopia management plan that incorporates specialized treatments, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. By taking these steps, you can take control of your eye health and enjoy clear, comfortable vision for years to come.
 

To learn more about the latest myopia management strategies and how they can benefit you, schedule a consultation with True Vision Optometry. We can provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized recommendations to help you take control of your myopia and protect your long-term eye health. Visit our office in Montebello, California, or call (323) 403-4116 to book an appointment today.