Understanding Myopia: Nearsightedness Explained
Do you suspect your child might be nearsighted? Myopia is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. At Northwest Eye Center, we’re here to help you understand myopia, also known as nearsightedness, and provide effective myopia management solutions for the whole family.
Through comprehensive assessments and personalized treatments, we aim to control the progression of myopia and ensure clear and healthy vision for the long term.
What is Myopia?
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball is slightly elongated, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
This results in blurred distance vision and can make activities such as learning, reading off a whiteboard, or sports activities uncomfortable. Myopia typically develops during childhood or adolescence and may progress over time if left untreated.
What Causes Myopia?
The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but both genetic and environmental factors play a role. If one or both parents have myopia, there is an increased likelihood of their children developing the condition as well.
Environmental factors, such as excessive near work, limited outdoor activities, and inadequate exposure to natural light, have also been associated with the development and progression of myopia. Research is still ongoing to fully understand the underlying causes.
Comprehensive Myopia Assessments at Northwest Eye Center
At Northwest Eye Center, we offer comprehensive myopia assessments to evaluate the extent of your or your child’s myopia and assess other factors that may contribute to its progression.
Our experienced optometrists utilize advanced diagnostic technologies and techniques to measure your refractive error, evaluate the shape and length of your eyeball, and assess the overall health of your eyes.
These assessments help us develop personalized myopia management plans tailored to your or your child’s specific needs.
Customized Myopia Control Treatments in Thief River Falls
When it comes to managing myopia, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work. At Northwest Eye Center, we provide customized myopia control treatments based on the severity of your child’s myopia, their age, lifestyle, and other individual factors.
Our treatment options may include specialty contact lenses, orthokeratology (overnight corneal reshaping lenses), low-dose atropine eye drops, or a combination of these methods. These treatments aim to slow down the progression of myopia, reducing the risk of developing associated eye conditions and preserving your long-term vision health.
To learn more about myopia and explore personalized myopia management options, schedule an appointment with our expert optometrists at Northwest Eye Center.
Take proactive steps to manage your child’s myopia and maintain their clear vision by calling 218-681-3300. We’re here to help you with comprehensive myopia care tailored to your child’s needs.