Myopia Diagnosis and Treatment in Central PA

Over 130 million people in the United States have some degree of nearsightedness (myopia), making this condition one of the most diagnosed refractive errors in the country. Myopia is a type of vision impairment that makes it difficult for individuals to see items or images that are far away from the eye. A patient may have severe, moderate, or minor myopia. Those who are nearsighted can usually see quite well up close but have problems seeing objects at a distance, such as street signs while driving, presentation screens at work or school, or even things on the floor.

If you are myopic, you have plenty of options to address the issue and help sharpen your far-away vision. At our facilities throughout Central PA, our team of board-certified eye doctors offers diagnoses of refractive errors, like myopia, and provides appropriate solutions to serve your lifestyle. Get in touch with us at The Eye Center of Central PA to schedule a vision exam if you have noticed changes with your vision or are having trouble seeing things from far away.

For most patients, the most obvious sign of nearsightedness is noticing fuzzy, unfocused vision when looking at things that are far away. Many patients may also experience other issues that stem from frequent squinting or eye strain. Eye strain, also referred to as eye fatigue or asthenopia, may cause aching or dry eyes. It might also lead to light sensitivity or strain in the shoulders and neck. Occasionally, patients who already have eyeglasses or contacts for nearsightedness can notice these symptoms. These signs are a good indication that your lens prescription should be revised so you should get an eye exam soon.

Studies have indicated that nearsightedness can be either genetic or caused by certain activities. The fuzzy vision that happens with nearsightedness is due to the abnormal shape of either the eyeball or cornea. If the eyeball is longer than normal front to back, or if the cornea is too rounded, any light coming into the eye won't center precisely onto the retina. Typically, nearsightedness begins to develop in school-aged children, especially in students who have nearsightedness in the family. Nevertheless, older people could also become nearsighted due to certain activities or related health conditions. Some activities that are connected to nearsightedness are spending long periods of time reading and writing (either in school or at work), not being outside, and particularly, spending lengthy durations using mobile devices. Nearsightedness can also be caused by unmanaged blood sugar levels in patients who have diabetes.

Testing for myopia is very easy and is typically done with a routine vision acuity assessment. Many people know about this test, which just requires looking at letters ranging in size on an eye chart. Other routine tests that could be done use a phoropter (also called a refractor) and a retinoscope (a tiny light) to see how your retinas refract light. All of these assessments are very brief, easy, and are absolutely painless so anyone coming in for acuity tests should feel at ease. When your exams have been finished, we will outline your best treatment options.

The majority of people diagnosed with myopia often have a handful of effective treatment options at their disposal, depending on their prescription and normal day-to-day routine. Our eye doctors typically prescribe eyeglasses or contacts to produce clearer vision day-to-day without surgery. The majority of patients opt to use a combination of both to accommodate their unique routines. Many patients may also be candidates for refractive surgery, such as LASIK, for life-changing results. Let us know if you are interested in laser vision correction so a member of our team can determine whether or not you may be a candidate.

Dealing with unclear or imperfect vision can often cause other uncomfortable symptoms, like migraines and aching eyes. Nearsightedness is a very common vision impairment that, thankfully, is easily manageable for nearly everyone who experiences it. Using prescription lenses or receiving laser surgery can drastically enhance the lives of Central PA men and women. Get in touch with The Eye Center of Central PA to learn more or plan your exam with one of our board-certified optometrists or eye surgeons.