Do you find it hard to see objects that are far away until you are up close? There is a high chance of myopia; an eye condition also referred to as nearsightedness. It is a common condition that our Dr. David McDonald and Dr. Barbara McDonald of Henderson Eye Center in Henderson, TX, also serving East Texas, have experience dealing with.
Symptoms of Myopia
If you are myopic, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Having to close your eyelids partially or squint to see clearly
- Difficulty seeing the road when driving
- Headaches that result from eyestrain
You may also notice the following symptoms in children suffering from nearsightedness:
- Having to move closer to the screen or teacher in the classroom
- Frequently rubbing their eyes
- Excessive blinking
- Being unaware of visible distant objects
Causes of Myopia
The exact cause of myopia is yet to be identified, but it is believed to result from hereditary or environmental factors or both. Myopia occurs when your cornea has a very steep curve, or your eyeball is unusually long. The blurry appearance of distant objects results from light being focused in front of your retina instead of on it.
How Is Myopia Diagnosed?
A regular eye exam by our optometrist in East Texas can help determine if you are myopic or not. Myopia typically occurs in childhood but can develop in adults due to diabetes or vision stress.
Adults
Our optometrists in East Texas conduct several tests, such as eyechart reading or using a lightened retinoscope to identify how your retina reflects light.
Children
Taking your child to our eye doctor can begin as early as before age 1 to help spot any issues. Children from families with myopic members are at higher risk of developing the condition. Our eye doctor checks for normal light reflexes and conducts an eye chart test for older children.
Treatments of Myopia
Our eye doctor may prescribe contact lenses or glasses with a negative number if you are myopic. This prescription helps your eyes focus light on the retina, clearing your vision. Other treatment methods for vision needs such as myopia include:
- Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) - laser surgery to reshape the shape of your cornea.
- Vision Therapy - ideal for those whose myopic conditions result from spasms of the focusing muscles.
Get Your Eyes Checked Out Today for Myopia
If you feel like you are straining when viewing far-away objects such as road signs but see them clearly when close, you may be myopic. Reach out to our Dr. David McDonald, and Dr. Barbara McDonald of Henderson Eye Center in Henderson, TX, also serving East Texas, for nearsightedness and any other vision needs you may have at (903) 657-1539.