Human eyes are extremely sensitive, and many people struggle with a wide variety of vision issues. Based on your family history and eye shape, you may learn you have myopia. If you’re unfamiliar with this eye condition and how eye doctors treat this issue, learn the answers to frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia

What is myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition in which objects close up can be seen clearly, but objects at a distance appear blurry and out of focus. This issue is a result of an eye that grows too long from front to back or an overly curved retina. Based on this irregular eye shape, the light comes into focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, causing objects from afar to appear blurry. 

What signs indicate you should schedule a vision test?

Nearsightedness tends to develop during childhood and can continue to progress as you get older. Parents should schedule an appointment for their child to see an eye doctor when they have trouble seeing the teacher and whiteboard at school. Other symptoms indicating you may have myopia include squinting, headaches, eye strain, eye fatigue, and difficulty reading traffic or street signs. 

Is this condition common?

Myopia is the most common eye condition and impacts men and women of all races and ages. According to the National Eye Institute, well over 40 million Americans will be nearsighted in the year 2050. Studies have found that in the year 2010, roughly 27% of the world’s population was nearsighted. 

How do eye doctors treat myopia?

The positive news is, eye doctors have the ability to treat nearsightedness with corrective lenses. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can help alter the way images appear on the retina, thus reducing blurriness in faraway objects.

It’s important to note that corrective eyewear does not cure myopia. These lenses need to be worn when in class, playing sports, or watching television in order to maintain strong distance vision. Some individuals may be candidates for laser eye surgery to reduce myopia.

Are you or a loved one having difficulty seeing objects from a distance? If so, an eye doctor at Griebenow Eyecare can provide a vision test to find out whether you have myopia and require corrective eyewear. With clinics in Clintonville, and New London, Wis., this innovative vision center has served residents throughout the area for over four decades. To schedule an appointment, call today at (800) 427-9585. For more information about their services, visit this family-friendly optometrist online.