Eye Exams Make Life Better
“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see,” Henry David Thoreau may not have been writing about vision health when he wrote this, but it definitely applies to vision health. Life without good eyesight is not easy or fulfilling.
Myopia, or Nearsightedness, Is a Common Condition
Normally, images focus on the retina of the eye. Nearsightedness manifests when the eyes focus images in front of the retina instead of on the retina. When the eyeball is too long, it prevents incoming light from focusing in the right place on the retina. The shape of the cornea or lens can also affect vision and cause myopia.
Anyone Can Be Affected
Children, adults, and seniors can suffer from myopia. It affects 25% of Americans and often runs in families. Although it can be diagnosed in infants, it most often appears when children are between 8 and 12. School-age children are typically diagnosed when they cannot see the whiteboard/overhead in the classroom. Myopia typically becomes worse, so it’s important to schedule regular appointments. Sometimes the condition is accompanied by astigmatism. Many individual’s eyes plateau in the 20s to 40s. Other conditions such as dry eye, blepharitis, or glaucoma can develop after 40. It’s important to schedule regular visits to the optometrist throughout your life.
Signs and Symptoms of Myopia
- Eyestrain/burning/discomfort
- Headaches
- Squinting/tearing
- Difficulty seeing distant objects
- Blurred vision
Individuals with myopia can see things close up but cannot see what’s in the distance. Vision quality diminishes the farther an object is from you.
Diagnosis
At Alpharetta’s premier optometry practice, Alpharetta Eye Clinic/Windward Eye Care, doctors will ask for your medical history and conduct a comprehensive dilated eye exam to diagnose myopia. If you are experiencing eye discomfort of any kind, make an appointment to get a check-up. There are several treatment options for myopia: eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery. LASIK surgery eliminates the need for corrective lenses. An examination will determine whether you are a candidate for this high-tech surgery.
Myopia: If you have children, you need a family eye doctor. Vision is ever-changing as children grow, so it’s important to have an expert doctor whom you trust to take care of your child’s eyes. If you live in Alpharetta, it’s an easy decision. Contact Alpharetta Eye Clinic or Windward Eye Care to make an appointment for you, your child, or another family member. We specialize in geriatric and pediatric eye exams.