How Is Myopia Diagnosed?

Myopia or nearsightedness is a refractive error where patients have difficulties seeing distant objects. The objects are visible but appear out of focus. The condition occurs when the eyeball is too long. Nearsightedness can also develop when the shape of the cornea causes the refractive power to be too strong.

Myopia is a common eye focus condition affecting more than 40 percent of the population. It usually develops in childhood but is easily corrected using corrective lenses or surgery.

What Causes Myopia?

The exact cause of myopia is unclear. However, studies show that if one or both parents are myopic, the children are likely to be nearsighted. The condition may be due to environmental and hereditary factors. Lifestyle factors such as prolonged computer use can lead to the development of myopia.

It usually onsets in childhood and may worsen before leveling off in adulthood. Light getting into the eyes is focused incorrectly, causing images to be unclear. In rare cases, myopia can progress, with degenerative myopia causing blindness.

Symptoms of Myopia

Nearsighted people are unable to make out signs or images at a distance. Symptoms of myopia include:

Blurry vision when looking at faraway objects
Eyestrain
Squinting
Frequent headaches
Tiredness when driving or performing daily activities

Poor grades in school, holding reading materials close to the face, and a short attention span may indicate your child is myopic.

Developing High Myopia

High myopia is a high degree of the condition that occurs when a child’s eyeballs grow too long. The cornea becomes too steep, resulting in a refractive error that is more than -6. The condition worsens progressively until early adulthood.

High myopia increases the risk of developing severe eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and detached retina. If not treated, complications from high myopia can lead to blindness. Doctors recommend myopia control treatments to prevent the development of high myopia.

The diagnosis of this condition is usually during a vision screening or eye exam. Routine eye exams are vital for evaluating an individual’s risk of developing myopia. Several tests are conducted during the eye exam. They include:

A visual acuity (sharpness) test to measure distance vision
A slit-lamp exam that helps assess eye structures
Refraction testing, using a phoropter, to determine the correct lens prescription

Treatment for Myopia

The doctor recommends vision correction if a diagnosis determines that an individual is myopic. The treatment options include eyeglasses, contact lenses, corrective surgeries such as LASIK or PRK, and intraocular lens implants. The doctor may also recommend topical atropine drops or orthokeratology lenses to slow down myopia progression.

Regular eye exams are the best way to protect your vision and eye health. An eye doctor can diagnose myopia and recommend immediate treatment. It is possible to correct the condition, allowing the patient to enjoy good eyesight.

Diseases such as diabetes and visual stress from too much up-close work can lead to myopia in adulthood. If you experience sudden changes in your eyesight, you should visit an eye specialist immediately.

For more on the diagnosis of myopia, visit Hedges Eye Care at our Newberry, Florida office. Call (352) 306-1103 to schedule an appointment today.