Myopic Degeneration Specialist

What is myopia?

Myopia is the medical condition of being nearsighted, meaning you can see things clearly close up, but not far away. Myopia is common, affecting more than 40% of Americans between the ages 12-54. Rates of myopia are on the rise and are more commonly seen in urban areas than in rural areas.

Myopic vision changes occur when your eyeball is too long from front to back, which causes the light to reflect on the front of your retina instead of directly on it. These retinal changes make it easier for you to see things that are close, but more difficult from a distance.

Your risk of retinal tears increases if you have myopia.

What causes myopic vision?

Researchers are still investigating what causes your eyeball to grow in the shape that leads to nearsightedness, but theorize it may be partly genetic and environmental. Researchers recently found a correlation between lack of outside play and the development of myopia in children, which seems to indicate that either lack of natural sunlight or distance-looking may play a role in the change to the eye shape.

How is myopic vision diagnosed?

Your physician at Retina Associates of New York diagnoses nearsightedness during a comprehensive eye examination. During this exam, your physician tests your vision and evaluates your eye for changes in shape.

Based on the results of your exam, your physician determines if your vision changes are myopic or due to another cause.

If you’re having trouble seeing images clearly at a distance, then you may have myopic vision and should contact Retina Associates of New York for an evaluation.

How is myopic vision treated?

Nearsighted vision may be corrected with prescription eyewear, including eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Refractive surgery is also an option for myopic vision, although not usually recommended until after you’ve worn prescription eyewear for a set period of time. Refractive surgery can correct your vision so you no longer need to wear glasses or contact lenses.

In some cases of pathologic, or very high, myopia, the retina may degenerate, leading to bleeding or swelling in the back of the eye. These patients may need treatments such as intraocular injections or laser.

Myopic vision is more common than it once was. For clearer vision both near and far, contact the dedicated physicians at Retina Associates of New York by phone or online for an evaluation.