MYOPIA

WHAT IS MYOPIA? (NEARSIGHTEDNESS)
Myopia or nearsightedness is a vision problem experienced by up to one third of the population. Nearsighted people have difficulty reading highway signs, chalkboards, television and seeing other objects at a distance. However, they can see for near tasks such as sewing and reading. Many times myopia is diagnosed during school screenings.

Myopia normally starts to appear in children between the ages of eight and twelve years old. Once myopia starts, as the body grows, the myopia often increases. It typically stabilizes in adulthood. Changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions are necessary during growth periods.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF MYOPIA?
Myopic people often have headaches or eyestrain, and might squint or feel fatigued when driving or playing sports. If you experience these symptoms while wearing your glasses or contact lenses you may need a different prescription.

WHAT CAUSES MYOPIA?
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than usual from front to back, or when the cornea or lens of the eye are "over-powered". This causes light rays to focus at a point in front of the retina rather than directly on its surface.

HOW IS MYOPIA TREATED?
Nearsightedness may be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or refractive surgery. Depending on your vision problem, you may need to wear your glasses or contact lenses all the time, or only when you need distance vision, like driving, seeing a chalkboard, or watching a movie.