Myopia (Nearsightedness) in Los Angeles, CA

About 130 million people in America deal with nearsightedness (myopia), which means myopia is one of the most common vision problems. Nearsightedness is a refractive condition that prevents men and women from being able to clearly see items or focal points from a distance. If you experience nearsightedness, distant things or focal points may seem blurry, or you might not be able to see them at all.

Depending on your case, our eye doctors may diagnose you with mild, moderate, or severe myopia. Individuals who have myopia can generally see items close up but have trouble seeing distant objects, for example, traffic signs while driving, dry erase boards at the office or school, or on their TV.

For those who experience nearsightedness, we offer multiple treatments to deal with the condition and help restore your vision. At our practice in San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA, we can diagnose visual impairments, like nearsightedness, and offer appropriate corrective options that fit your daily routine. Contact Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley to schedule an eye exam if you notice changes in your vision, or you experience problems seeing things in the distance.

Usually, the most obvious sign of nearsightedness is blurry vision that happens when trying to see objects from a distance. Sometimes, people notice other issues that stem from squinting or eye strain. Eye strain, also known as eye fatigue or asthenopia, often causes aching or dry eyes. Asthenopia also leads to light sensitivity or soreness in the neck and shoulder muscles. Sometimes, people who already have eyeglasses or contacts for myopia can experience these symptoms. If you have this issue, you might need your eye prescription revised, and you should schedule an eye exam soon.

Experts believe that nearsightedness is caused by either genetics or environmental factors. The fuzzy vision occurs when a patient has an abnormally shaped cornea. When the eyeball is longer than normal front to back, or when the cornea is too rounded, any light coming into the eye is not aimed correctly onto the retina. Usually, nearsightedness is first noticed in the early school years, especially in children who have a genetic predisposition. Nevertheless, adults could also develop myopia because of certain activities or other health conditions. Some activities that may increase the chances for myopia include concentrated reading and writing spanning extensive periods (such as in study or workplace environments), not going outdoors, and most of all, spending long periods of time focusing on mobile devices. Nearsightedness is often a symptom associated with unmanaged blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Testing for nearsightedness is fairly simple and is typically performed with a standard visual acuity test. The majority of people are familiar with this test, which entails reading letters lined up in rows on an eye chart. We might perform other common assessments, such as a phoropter (sometimes known as a refractor) and a retinoscope (a tiny light) to see how your eyes work with light. Patients should not experience any pain during these quick, uncomplicated assessments so anyone coming in for acuity tests can feel totally at ease. After completing the assessments, we will discuss the best treatment options for you.

Based on prescription and general daily routine, we offer terrific treatment options to choose from if diagnosed with myopia. We most often prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to enhance your vision. Sometimes, for younger patients with myopia, we provide specialized eye drops called atropine, which can help slow the progression of the symptoms. Typically, patients choose to use a combination of both to suit their unique routines. Many patients may also be good candidates for LASIK or PRK surgery for long-term results. Let one of our skilled eye doctors know if you want to consider refractive surgery, and we will discuss if LASIK or PRK is right for you.

Can lifestyle changes help manage or improve myopia?
While lifestyle changes cannot cure myopia, they can help manage its progression, especially in children. Spending more time outdoors in natural light and reducing prolonged close-up activities, such as screen time, can be beneficial. It's also important to maintain regular eye exams to monitor any changes in vision and adjust treatment as necessary.

Is myopia linked to other eye health issues?
Yes, myopia can be associated with a higher risk of developing certain eye health issues later in life, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of these potential complications.

How often should my prescription be updated if I have myopia?
The frequency of prescription updates for myopia varies depending on the individual's age, rate of vision change, and overall eye health. Typically, children and teenagers may need more frequent updates due to rapid changes in their vision. Adults with stable myopia might need less frequent updates. It's recommended to have annual eye exams to ensure your prescription remains effective.

Having vision that is no longer as sharp as it used to be may often lead to other uncomfortable symptoms, such as migraines and eye strain. Nearsightedness is a common vision impairment that is easily treatable for lots of people who develop it. Using corrective lenses or receiving laser surgery can greatly improve the quality of life for San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, CA men and women. Call one of our Ophthalmology Associates of the Valley locations in Encino or West Hills to schedule an exam and to hear more about your treatment options.