Over the years, there has been an increasing prevalence of nearsightedness, also known as myopia. Studies even estimate that by 2050, around half of the world’s population may be affected by this refractive error. This is why NOVA Vision Center aims to promote awareness and understanding of this vision problem. Let your expert eye doctor answer commonly asked questions about it.
Q: How Does Myopia Happen?
Your eyes have a near-perfect round shape, which helps in the even distribution and proper focusing of light rays on the retina. A nearsighted person’s eyeball, however, may be longer than the usual, causing light to incorrectly deposit in front of the retina. A highly-curved cornea may also result in this problem.
Q: What Are the Common Risk Factors?
Nearsightedness is a refractive error that runs in the family, usually detected during childhood. If any of your family members have myopia, you’re more likely to have it too. That said, some of your personal habits may affect the condition’s actual development and progression. According to your reliable optometrist, doing close-range tasks for a prolonged period may lead to overusing your eyes’ accommodation and focusing abilities, resulting in this refractive error.
Q: What Are the Usual Manifestations?
Myopia’s signature manifestation is having blurry eyesight when viewing distant objects while your close-range vision remains stable. You may also have eye strain or headaches when performing far-range activities, like recognizing faces or reading street signs from afar.
Q: What is the Recommended Management?
When you notice any vision changes, visit your trusted eye center immediately. We may have you undergo visual acuity and refraction tests to establish your eyes’ current sharpness and degree of refractive error. We may then prescribe contact lenses or eyeglasses to improve your visual clarity. We may also suggest using ortho-k lenses or refer you for LASIK procedure.
If you have any further questions about nearsightedness, call us at (703) 291-0080, or complete our form. We serve Alexandria, Arlington, and nearby VA areas.