Do you struggle with seeing things in the distance? You might be dealing with myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness. This condition affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact daily life—whether it’s driving, watching your favorite show, or enjoying a beautiful view.
The good news? While nearsightedness (myopia) cannot be fully reversed, its progression can be managed and corrected with treatments like glasses, contact lenses, and specialized therapies. At River City Vision Center in Jacksonville and Orange Park, FL, we’re here to guide you through your options and help you regain the clarity you need to fully enjoy life.
What Is Myopia?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurry vision for distant objects while close-up items remain clear.
If you’ve noticed difficulty seeing road signs while driving or recognizing faces from afar, you could be experiencing symptoms of myopia.
Symptoms and Causes of Myopia
Common signs of myopia include:
- Squinting to see things clearly
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Headaches from prolonged vision strain
- Difficulty focusing on distant objects
While genetics plays a significant role—if one or both of your parents are nearsighted, there’s a higher chance you might be as well—environmental factors such as excessive screen time or reading for long periods can contribute to the development of myopia as well.
Diagnosing Myopia
At River City Vision Center, we conduct thorough eye exams to diagnose myopia. The process typically includes:
- A visual acuity test to assess how well you can see at various distances
- A refraction assessment to measure how well your eyes focus light
- An overall eye health evaluation to rule out other underlying conditions
Early detection is key to managing myopia effectively, so don’t wait to book your eye exam!
Treatment Options for Myopia
When it comes to correcting myopia, you have several options to choose from. Here’s a breakdown of some popular choices.
Glasses for Myopia
Glasses are one of the most common ways to correct myopia. They use concave lenses to redirect light so that it focuses directly on the retina, clearing up your distance vision.
At River City Vision Center, we offer a range of lenses, including:
- Single vision lenses: Designed to correct distance vision.
- High-index lenses: Thinner and lighter lenses, ideal for stronger prescriptions.
- Bifocal and progressive lenses: Perfect for those who need help with both distance and near vision.
Additionally, MiYOSMART glasses use innovative DIMS technology to help slow the progression of myopia, especially in children. These lenses alternate between areas of focus and defocus to reduce eye elongation, which slows myopia progression over time.
Contact Lenses for Myopia
If you prefer a more active lifestyle or simply don’t want to wear glasses, contact lenses may be a great option for you. Contact lenses provide a wider field of vision and eliminate the discomfort that can come with glasses.
Types of contact lenses for myopia include:
- Daily disposable lenses: Ideal for convenience and hygiene.
- Extended wear lenses: Can be worn continuously, even overnight, with proper care.
At River City Vision Center, we also offer MiSight contact lenses for children, which can slow myopia progression by up to 50%. These lenses use a technique called peripheral defocusing, which helps manage myopia by focusing light just in front of the retina. This signals the eye to slow its growth, helping prevent myopia from worsening over time.
MiSight lenses are not only effective but also easy to use and comfortable for children to wear. They provide clear vision throughout the day while helping to manage and preserve eye health as your child grows.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method that involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This offers the benefit of clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. It’s an excellent option for both children and adults looking to manage myopia.
Ortho-K is especially beneficial for people with active lifestyles, and it can also help slow the progression of myopia in children.
Long-Term Management of Myopia
Managing myopia is an ongoing process. Regular eye exams are crucial to keep your prescription up to date and ensure your eyes stay healthy. At River City Vision Center, we also use advanced tools like the Biometer to monitor the length of the eye and make more accurate predictions about how myopia may progress.
Find the Right Myopia Solution for You—Book Your Appointment Today!
Choosing the right solution for your myopia depends on your lifestyle and preferences, whether it’s glasses, contact lenses, or advanced treatments like MiSight or Ortho-K. At River City Vision Center, we specialize in myopia control and provide personalized recommendations to help you achieve the best vision possible. Don’t let myopia hold you back—book an appointment with us today and take the first step toward a clearer vision!
