Myopia: Is There A Cure for Nearsightedness?
Myopia is defined as a problem seeing things far away. Although nearsightedness affects all ages, the constant use of digital screens on smartphones, tablets, and computers has increased its risk with children. But you might ask – if you or your children struggle with nearsightedness, is there a cure?
Since the advent of smartphones and tablets, researchers and eye care practitioners have wondered the same thing. Recent studies indicate it may be possible to control myopia by reducing its progression during childhood and among teens. However, at this time, there is no cure.
Nearsightedness Is Not an Eye Disease
Myopia is a refractive flaw caused by an elongated eyeball. This elliptical shape prevents light that enters the eye to not focus on the retina at the back of the eye. Instead, the light focuses on the front of the retina, causing objects to appear blurry in the distance.
Myopia Control
Finding the best treatment for myopia first requires an eye exam. Board-certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Brian Will can determine the severity of your myopia. He will suggest a clear pathway to regain clear vision from solutions as simple as wearing glasses to wavefront-guided refractive eye surgery. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the patient can avoid poor eyesight at school or work.
Glasses
Glasses are the most popular solution for nearsighted patients. It allows them to see objects in the distance with clarity. For our older patients who suffer from presbyopia, glasses may be multi-focal, offering correction for reading and distance built into the same set of lenses.
However, they may cause a collection of aggravations. These include physical discomfort on the nose and ears, inconvenience when participating in physical or sporting activities, and fogging in humid conditions. Multi-focal glasses can create a fish-bowl effect that can generate dizziness, difficulty walking, or going up and down the stairs.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are trendy, particularly since the introduction of soft contact lenses that can correct for astigmatism. Unfortunately, many people simply cannot tolerate the insertion or wearing of contact lenses. For others who have successfully used contacts in the past, they can sometimes no longer tolerate them due to the onset of allergies or dry eye. Fortunately, those who cannot wear contact lenses are frequently ideal candidates for advanced Wavefront-Guided Bladeless Lasik.
Laser Eye Surgery (LASIK)
LASIK surgery is a popular, safe, and highly effective option for nearsightedness. Its laser is designed to reshape your cornea, permitting light entering your eye to focus correctly. With today’s advanced technology, most patients are suitable candidates for laser vision correction.
Your specific condition dictates whether surgery can provide the results you want. It’s essential to note LASIK centers that utilize older technologies cannot deliver the best results available.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Will to discuss treatment options for myopia, contact his Vancouver, Washington, Salem, or Portland, Oregon offices today. Call (877) 542-3937 or complete our online contact form.