What is Myopia?

Myopia is on the rise in the United States and around the world with staggering predictions by the World Health Organization that by 2050 over 50% of the world’s population will be myopic. The condition begins in children between the ages of 6 and 12 and can grow worse over time with some more severe longer-term ramifications on vision health.

Over the past 25 years Vision Source Insight Eyecare has become a destination for parents and patients seeking Myopia Treatment and Myopia Management in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and Atlanta for over 25 years. Dr. Rachael Sweeney, Dr. Jonathan Chen, and Dr. Lay Nim welcome new myopia patients. Online Consultation Request for Myopia

Myopia Definition

Often referred to as nearsightedness, is a refractive error in the eye. The error occurs when light is no longer bent or refracted correctly by the eye and as a result, images become blurry when at a distance. Close-up focusing remains fine.

Myopia occurs when the eye grows longer than normal or has a cornea that is too steep. As a result, light rays focus in front of the retina instead of on it causing the distant object to be out of focus or blurry.

Myopia can be categorized as Mild, Moderate, or High Severity depending on the magnitude of the refractive error and the amount of correction needed. Typically, any prescription greater than -5.00 diopters is High Severity. Mild can be considered at as little -1.00D.

Myopia Causes and Risks

Causes

Typically first detected in children between the ages of 6 to 12 years old and evidence suggests that there is a genetic or hereditary component to the condition. According to studies, there is a 25% chance that a child will develop myopia if one of their parents is myopic.

This number jumps to 50% if both parents are myopic.

It is also thought that environmental conditions can enhance or accelerate nearsightedness. In a recent Taiwanese study sunlight, spending time outdoors, and sporting activities were found to be ways of reducing or slowing the onset. Similar studies have pointed to excessive screen time on small digital devices as contributors to a child’s condition.

Risks

In later life and if nearsightedness progresses there are clear linkages with increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts and myopic maculopathy – irreversible central vision loss.

Myopia Symptoms and Detection

Some of the signs and symptoms of myopia to look out for:

• Eyestrain and Headaches.
• Squinting to see properly, sitting in the front row in class, or blinking.
• Decline in educational performance or complaints that your child can’t see the whiteboard.

Parental vigilance is critical and signs that your child is becoming unengaged or is struggling in school could point to a vision problem like myopia.

The message from Dr. Chen is that parents should engage their eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam for their children annually. This is the easiest and most effective way of screening for Myopia. If a parent is myopic themselves, then the chances are that the child is too, and parents should not hesitate to get an early diagnosis. Online Consultation Request with Dr. Sweeney

Myopia – Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA

Vision Source Insight Eyecare has been treating patients using Myopia Control since 2004 and has helped hundreds of patients achieve amazing results. Managing Myopia begins with a Consultation. Please call to schedule an Appointment today at Sandy Springs/Atlanta 404 250 1680 or send us an Online Consultation Request for Myopia.