Myopia: Causes and Treatments for Nearsighted Patients
Myopia, more commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a condition in which objects close to the viewer can be seen more clearly than those farther away. According to the American Optometric Association, about 30 percent of all Americans suffer from nearsightedness. Most began to show symptoms of this visual impairment during childhood. Myopia can be treated by the use of contact lenses or eyeglasses. For many patients, however, the services offered by LASIK eye surgery centers can provide cost-effective and convenient solutions for nearsightedness on a long-term basis.
What Is Myopia?
A few different factors can result in nearsightedness in children and adults:
- Patients with unusually long eyeball structures may experience focusing issues that can cause myopia to a lesser or greater degree.
- Excessive curvature of the cornea or the lens can also cause refraction errors that can lead to nearsightedness in patients of all ages.
- Blood sugar levels that are too high can sometimes cause vision problems that include blurry vision, nearsightedness or cataracts.
Depending on the severity of the myopia, patients may require eyeglasses or contact lenses to ensure clear vision for objects at a distance.
Causes of Myopia
Nearsightedness is generally thought to be a hereditary condition that runs in families. Some physicians also believe that personal habits can play a role in causing myopia. The following activities may be linked to an increased risk of nearsightedness:
- Excessive reading
- Too much time in front of a computer screen
- Performing close visual work that requires fine motor skills
In some cases, the myopia experienced after engaging in these activities can be of short duration. Repeating these activities frequently over time, however, can result in long-term nearsightedness for some individuals. Diabetes patients are also at higher risk of myopia and should seek guidance from a qualified Houston eye surgeon to ensure that these issues are addressed promptly.
Treatments for Myopia
Issues associated with nearsightedness can be corrected on a temporary basis by using contact lenses or glasses to change the way light is refracted inside the eye. For patients who want a more permanent solution, however, laser eye surgery can provide lasting results and added convenience. This includes LASIK, SMILE, and potentially PRK. These procedures can ensure clear vision from first thing in the morning until the last activity at night to create real convenience and comfort for patients with mild to severe nearsightedness.
The eye care experts at Mattioli Vision Professionals can provide you with the Houston LASIK solutions you need to look and see your best every day. Our skilled surgeons can provide vision correction solutions designed to provide help for patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and many other eye conditions. Call us today to set up an appointment with one of our highly skilled vision correction professionals. We look forward to the opportunity to help you see more clearly and feel more comfortable every day.
