Book Now Call Now HOME ABOUT EYE CARE EYE WEAR SPECIAL OFFERS BLOG CONTACT US Myopia (Nearsightedness) Myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye, meaning that the shape of the eye or its cornea improperly bends light as it enters the eye. This hinders your ability to focus. Myopia is the most common refractive error of the eyes, and is caused by several factors including eye strain, overuse,… by Dr. Durante September 7, 2021 Myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye, meaning that the shape of the eye or its cornea improperly bends light as it enters the eye. This hinders your ability to focus. Myopia is the most common refractive error of the eyes, and is caused by several factors including eye strain, overuse, and genetic predisposition. Myopia Symptoms Nearsighted eyes are longer than normal. When light enters a nearsighted eye, it focuses to a point in front of the retina, where photoreceptors are located. As a result, nearsighted individuals are able to see nearby objects clearly, but have difficulty focusing on distant objects. In addition to having difficulty seeing distant objects such as road signs, a television screen, or a chalkboard, myopia can also cause eye strain, squinting, and headaches. Nearsighted individuals might also experience a sense of fatigue during athletic activities or while driving. Inherited myopia develops during childhood, and can progressively worsen as the eyes grow until individuals reach about the age of 20. After the eyes have developed fully, myopia can continue to progress due to eye fatigue and eye strain from activities which require the eyes to be focused on nearby objects like reading and computer work. Individuals without inherited myopia can develop nearsightedness from overuse as well. Myopia Diagnosis Myopia is usually diagnosed after the patient notices frequent headaches or difficulty seeing distant objects. After a comprehensive eye exam, an eye care professional will provide a myopia diagnosis. The severity of myopia has three classifications which depend on the strength of the prescription determined by an eye care professional: mild, moderate, and high. Myopia Treatments Several treatment options exist for individuals with myopia. These include contact lenses, glasses, and refractive surgery. Glasses and contact lenses correct the refractive error in eyes by bending light before it enters the eye, allowing it to focus on the retina. Refractive surgery, like LASIK surgery, physically reshapes the eye to correct the refractive error, eliminating or reducing the need for corrective lenses. In addition to these treatments, which are intended to correct nearsighted vision, there are also various therapies available to hinder or slow the progression of myopia in childhood. These treatments include multifocal corrective lenses, atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology. The course of treatment which an eye care professional recommends for each patient depends on the severity of the myopia. Related Eye Health Resources Blue Light Exposure: What Is It? September 8, 2021 What You Need to Know About Dry Eye September 8, 2021 What Is Astigmatism? September 8, 2021 Get Your Free Eye Exam Today Book Now Our practice is committed to providing every patient with eyeglasses, eyewear, eye exams, outstanding vision, and eye care, and our friendly staff will always greet you with a smile! Quick Links Home About Eye Care Eye Wear Special Offers Blog Jensen Beach Treasure Coast Square Mall 3468 NW Federal Hwy Jensen Beach, FL 34597 By main mall entrance by Ruby Tuesday Mon - Wed : 11:00 am - 7:00 pm Thu - Sat : 10:00 am - 7:00 pm Sun : 11:00 pm - 5:00 pm (772) 692-2020 Info@drdurante.com Port St. Lucie 954 S.W. Saint Lucie West Blvd. Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 Between IHOP & Pet Supermarket Mon - Fri : 9:00 am - 7:00 pm Sat : 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Sun : Closed (772) 302-2022 Info@drdurante.com Follow Us Site Map Terms & Condition Privacy Policy Cohen Fashion Optical: Dr. Durante © 2021 All Rights Reserved. Eye Doctor, Optometrist, Eye Care. Disclaimer : The patient and any other person responsible for payment has a right to refuse to pay, or be reimbursed for payment for any other service, examination, or treatment that is performed as a result of and within 72 hours of responding to the advertisement for the free, discounted fee, or reduced fee service, examination, or treatment.