Looking into the distance, you notice the world around you seems blurred. It's frustrating, isn't it? Like there's a veil between you and the world.
As a child, you might think this is normal, since you’ve never known any other way. But it’s not normal – it’s myopia.
Meet myopia: the reason everything beyond arm's length is blurry.
Myopia is more than just a hassle. Children with myopia are more likely to develop serious eye diseases in late adulthood.
As an optometrist, Dr. Koutoulas educates his patients about myopia control. This article will introduce you to myopia. You’ll learn about its causes, symptoms, and the creative solutions available to help you see the world in a whole new light.
You'll also learn why it is essential to schedule regular eye exams to detect and treat the condition early.
Call us at Clear Vision Eyecare in Daly City today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam!
At a Glance: Myopia
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Also called “near-sighted.”
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Can get worse as a child grows.
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Can cause serious problems later in life if left untreated .
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Treated with special lenses (Ortho-k or multifocal) or atropine eye drops.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is when long-distance vision is blurry. A person with myopia may also be called “near-sighted”. They can see well up close, but not far away. They may be able to look at their phone or read a book clearly. But objects in the distance, like cars on the road or words on the blackboard, are blurry.
Myopia has to do with the shape of the eye. It happens when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. Because of this, light focuses on the wrong place in the back of the eye: in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
As many as 30% of people in the United States have myopia. Myopia usually shows up in childhood and can get worse as the child grows. It usually stabilizes between ages 20 and 40. Myopia often runs in families.
Why Manage Your Child's Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
While myopia is a common condition, it can cause serious problems if left untreated. People with severe nearsightedness are more likely to develop eye conditions later in life, such as:
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Macular degeneration.
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Retinal detachment.
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Cataracts.
Myopia control can make you less likely to develop these eye diseases.
Myopia doesn’t just increase the risk of eye disease later in life.
Other negative effects include:
Reduced quality of life
Prevents you from enjoying activities or performing daily tasks.
Eyestrain
Myopia can cause uncomfortable eyestrain and headaches.
Academic performance
Children with myopia can get behind in reading and other academic skills. They can also have trouble with social interactions and lower self-esteem.
Safety
Uncorrected nearsightedness can put you and others in danger. This is especially true while driving or operating machinery.
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What Increases the Risk for Myopia?
Age: Myopia often develops in children age 6 to 14.
Ethnicity: Some studies show that people of Asian descent have a higher risk of developing myopia than those of European descent.
Genetics:
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If one parent has myopia, a child’s risk of developing myopia is 1 in 3.
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If both parents have myopia, a child’s risk of developing myopia is 1 in 2.
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Even if neither parent has myopia, a child still has a 1 in 4 chance of developing myopia.
Environment: Spending less than 1.5 hours a day outdoors may increase the risk of myopia.
Prolonged close-up activities: Spending more than 2.5 hours a day on close-up activities like reading and using smartphones may increase the risk of myopia.
Screen time: Using computers or devices with a screen for long periods may increase the risk of myopia.
How Does Dr. Koutoulas Diagnose Myopia?
During your eye exam, Dr. Koutoulas uses the latest in-office technology to screen and diagnose myopia. Some of the tests include:
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Visual acuity test to check how sharp your vision is at a distance. You cover one eye and then read an eye chart with different sized letters.
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Phoroptor test to determine an appropriate prescription. You read an eye chart while looking through a device with different lenses.
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Exam of inner eye with a special lens. May require dilation.
Dr. Koutoulas will conduct other simple tests to check the following:
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The response of your pupils to light.
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Eye movement.
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Peripheral (side) vision.
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Pressure within your eye.
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The condition of the cornea, pupil, lens and eyelids.
What are the Best Treatments for Myopia?
If you or your child has myopia, don’t worry. There are several effective treatment options available for myopia control.
Pros and Cons of Each Myopia Treatment Method
Each myopia control method has its pros and cons:
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Atropine eye drops are effective and easy to use, but they can cause light sensitivity and blurred vision.
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Multifocal contact lenses or glasses are convenient and can provide clear vision at different distances, but they may not be suitable for all patients.
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Ortho-k can provide clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses during the day, but it requires careful monitoring by an eye doctor.
Which Myopia Control Method is Best for My Child?
If your child is diagnosed with myopia, Dr. Koutoulas will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on age, degree of myopia, and lifestyle.
Benefits of Myopia Control
Managing your child’s myopia control may:
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Reduce their risk of developing other eye diseases later in life.
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Improve their quality of life by allowing them to perform daily activities without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
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Positively impact their academic and social life by ensuring that they can see clearly and perform well in school.
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Help them participate in sports and other activities without the need for glasses or contact lenses.
Steps You Can Take to Manage Your Child’s Myopia
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Make sure your child spends more time outdoors.
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Limit screen time on computers or other digital devices. By balancing screen time with outdoor time, you may help protect your child’s vision as they grow older.
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Encourage your child to take frequent breaks from screen time and close-up activities.
Schedule an Eye Exam for Myopia Control Near You in Daly City, CA
Myopia is a common condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Reducing you or your child's nearsightedness will improve their quality of life and prevent future eye health complications. It will also reduce the need for stronger prescriptions.
Fortunately, there are effective methods of myopia control that can help slow down its progression. By working with an experienced eye doctor and following a treatment plan, you can control your myopia.
If you or a loved one has myopia, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Koutoulas at Clear Vision Eyecare in Daly City today. Dr. Koutoulas will perform a series of tests to evaluate the degree of myopia and determine the best course of treatment. Together, you can determine the best course of treatment and take steps to maintain healthy eyes.
