Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This condition affects millions of adults worldwide, and its prevalence has been increasing over the years. Managing and treating myopia is essential to maintaining good vision and overall eye health. At VisionQuest Eyecare, we offer comprehensive myopia management and treatment options for adults in Greenwood, Indiana, and Fishers, Indiana.
Understanding Myopia
Myopia occurs when the eye’s shape causes light rays to bend (refract) incorrectly, focusing images in front of the retina instead of on the retina. This can be due to an elongated eyeball or an overly curved cornea. Symptoms of myopia include:
- Blurred vision when looking at distant objects
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some risk factors include:
- Family history of myopia
- Prolonged near work, such as reading or using digital devices
- Insufficient time spent outdoors during childhood
Diagnosing Myopia
Regular eye exams are crucial for diagnosing myopia. During an eye exam at VisionQuest Eyecare, our optometrists will perform a series of tests to evaluate your vision and eye health. These tests may include:
- Visual acuity test: Measures how well you see at various distances
- Retinoscopy: Determines the prescription needed to correct your vision
- Refraction test: Fine-tunes the prescription using a phoropter or automated instrument
Myopia Management and Treatment Options
Several options are available for managing and treating myopia in adults. The appropriate treatment depends on the severity of myopia, your lifestyle, and your overall eye health. VisionQuest Eyecare offers the following solutions:
Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses are the most common and straightforward solution for correcting myopia. They come in various styles and materials to suit your preferences and lifestyle. High-index lenses are particularly beneficial for individuals with high degrees of myopia, as they are thinner and lighter than traditional lenses.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses provide an alternative to eyeglasses and offer a wider field of view. There are several types of contact lenses suitable for myopia correction:
- Soft lenses: Comfortable and easy to adapt to, available in daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables
- Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: Durable and offer sharper vision, though they may take longer to get used to
- Toric lenses: Designed for individuals with astigmatism in addition to myopia
Our optometrists at VisionQuest Eyecare will help you choose the best type of contact lenses based on your vision needs and lifestyle.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K involves wearing specially designed rigid gas permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This non-surgical treatment allows you to see clearly during the day without the need for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is particularly beneficial for individuals with mild to moderate myopia.
Refractive Surgery
Refractive surgery is a permanent solution for myopia correction. The most common types of refractive surgery include:
- LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis): A laser is used to reshape the cornea, improving how light is focused on the retina.
- PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): The corneal surface is reshaped using a laser, suitable for individuals with thinner corneas.
- SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction): A minimally invasive procedure that involves removing a small piece of corneal tissue to correct myopia.
Refractive surgery is not suitable for everyone. Our optometrists at VisionQuest Eyecare will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for surgery.
Myopia Control
While myopia cannot be reversed, certain strategies can help slow its progression:
- Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in some individuals.
- Multifocal contact lenses: These lenses have different zones for distance and near vision, which can help control myopia progression.
- Increased outdoor time: Spending more time outdoors has been associated with a reduced risk of developing myopia and slowing its progression.
Managing Myopia-Related Complications
Myopia can increase the risk of certain eye conditions, such as:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Myopic maculopathy
Regular eye exams are essential for early detection and management of these conditions. VisionQuest Eyecare provides comprehensive eye care services to monitor and address any complications related to myopia.
Lifestyle and Myopia
In addition to clinical treatments, certain lifestyle changes can help manage myopia:
- Take regular breaks from near work: Follow the 20-20-20 ruleβevery 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.
- Optimize lighting: Ensure good lighting while reading or working on digital devices to reduce eye strain.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Nutrient-rich foods, particularly those high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc, can support overall eye health.
VisionQuest Eyecare: Your Partner in Myopia Management
At VisionQuest Eyecare, we are committed to providing personalized and comprehensive eye care to manage and treat myopia in adults. Our experienced optometrists in Greenwood, Indiana, and Fishers, Indiana, utilize the latest technology and treatment options to help you achieve and maintain optimal vision.
If you are experiencing symptoms of myopia or need a comprehensive eye exam, schedule an appointment with VisionQuest Eyecare today. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve clear vision and maintain your eye health for years to come.
Managing Myopia in Adults
Myopia is a common condition that can significantly impact your quality of life if left unmanaged. With the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively manage myopia and reduce its impact on your daily activities. VisionQuest Eyecare offers a range of services and treatments tailored to your individual needs, ensuring you receive the best care possible. Don’t let myopia affect your visionβcontact us today to learn more about our myopia management and treatment options.
Dr. Chris Browning is a Greenwood native, who has been serving the community through glaucoma care and myopia management. He studied at Indiana University Bloomington and the Indiana University School of Optometry. As he has severe nearsightedness himself, Dr. Browning is passionate about helping others to achieve excellent vision.