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What Is Myopia?

Proud, smiling optometrist standing in front of wall of eyeglasses

At Florida Eye Center, our Land O’ Lakes optometrists often see and treat myopia in our patients. It is a prevalent eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that affects an individual’s ability to see distant objects with clarity. It develops when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects, even if an individual’s close-up vision remains clear.

Symptoms of Myopia

The symptoms of myopia can vary from person to person but often include:

  • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects.
  • Difficulty seeing objects far away, such as road signs or the whiteboard in a classroom.
  • Squinting to see more clearly.
  • Eye strain or fatigue, especially after extended periods of focusing on distant objects.
  • Headaches, particularly after daily tasks that require distance vision, such as driving or watching a movie.

Having your Land O’ Lakes optometrist detect signs of myopia early is important for treating it for several reasons. It allows for timely intervention to correct your vision and prevent potential complications from developing. Additionally, addressing myopia early can significantly improve your quality of life by keeping your vision clear so that you can participate in your regular daily activities like driving, reading, or enjoying your favorite television show.

Myopia Treatment Options

Because it is a common eye condition, there are several effective treatment options available for managing myopia that your eye doctor in Land O’ Lakes at Florida Eye Center can offer you:

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are a common and effective way to correct myopia. They work by altering the way light enters the eye so that it focuses properly on the retina. Eyeglasses can be fully customized to your prescription and taste. 

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses offer an alternative to eyeglasses for correcting myopia. They sit directly on the eye’s surface and provide a wider field of vision compared to glasses. Contact lenses are available in various types, including soft, rigid gas permeable, and specialty lenses for specific vision needs. They are particularly popular among individuals who prefer not to wear glasses or who go to the gym or play sports.

Schedule Your Eye Exam to Detect Signs of Myopia Early

If you experience potential symptoms of myopia, you should immediately schedule an eye examination with an eye doctor in Land O’ Lakes at Florida Eye Center for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Call us at (813) 602-7336 or fill out the request form here to request an appointment to schedule a consultation at Florida Eye Center today.

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