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If you can see close objects clearly while your distance vision is blurry, then you probably have myopia. Also known as nearsightedness, myopia affects nearly four out of 10 Americans. It is one of the most common eye issues we treat here at St. Michael’s Eye & Laser Institute. Keep reading to learn what causes nearsightedness and how it can be treated to restore clearer distance vision.
Understanding Nearsightedness
Most cases of nearsightedness occur because the cornea is more oval in shape than the average eye, or because the eye extends further than normal from the face. These differences then cause the light that passes through the eye to bend irregularly and land in front of the retina.
Genetics are usually to blame for myopia, with nearsighted patients more likely to pass on myopia to their children. Additionally, certain activities, such as reading or looking at screens, have been known to make distance vision worse when done extensively.
Why People Seek Treatment for Myopia
Constantly squinting to try to see faraway objects is annoying and can strain your eyes and generate frequent migraines. Once you improve your eyesight to something closer to 20/20, you no longer must worry about sitting up close in a classroom or theater. Moreover, you become a safer driver because you can see potential hazards sooner than you would otherwise, which allows you more time to respond.
Improving Nearsightedness
Most Americans choose to tackle nearsightedness with prescription eyewear like glasses or contact lenses. However, having to depend on these lenses to see clearly can pose a significant hassle. Searching for your glasses and practicing safe contact lens habits each day can be time consuming. That’s why a growing number of patients seek refractive surgery.
LASIK, which surgically reshapes the cornea, is great at improving distance vision in most patients. PRK is very similar to LASIK and may be more appropriate for those who are not deemed good candidates for LASIK. For the most extreme cases of nearsightedness, clear lens exchange (CLE) may be most beneficial.
Superior Eye Care in Tampa Bay/Pinellas County
With so many options available to you, there is no need to tolerate blurry vision. Our reputable doctors can examine your eyes and determine if refractive surgery could successfully and permanently reduce your need to use prescription lenses to see objects in the distance. To schedule a consultation at our office in Largo, book online or call (727) 585-2200.
