Common Signs of Myopia

Do you have trouble recognizing things in the distance? When you try to read road signs or watch TV from across the room, do you squint or get headaches? If so, you might have myopia or nearsightedness. Myopia is a common vision problem affecting millions, especially young individuals and children.

Managing nearsightedness is crucial. Otherwise, the condition will generally deteriorate over the long run when left untreated. When the eye becomes too long, myopia develops. This results in light focusing in front of rather than on the retina. Due to blurry distance vision, driving, playing sports, and reading can become challenging.

Here are some common signs to watch for:
 

• Blurred Vision

Distorted vision is the most common myopia sign, especially when looking at distant things. This can make it difficult to see road signs, whiteboards in the classroom, or other objects far away. Nonetheless, not all individuals with nearsightedness experience significant obscuring of their vision.
 

• Squinting

Squinting can help people with myopia temporarily improve their vision. It reduces the amount of light reaching the eye. Squinting changes the lens' shape, enabling you to focus light on the retina more effectively. Myopia may cause you to frequently squint your eyes.
 

• Headaches and Eyestrain

Nearsighted individuals may experience headaches and eyestrain after long periods of using a computer, reading, or watching TV. This is due to the increased effort that the eyes require to focus on small objects, causing fatigue and discomfort.
 

• Difficulty Seeing at Night

Myopia can make it hard to see at night or in low light. This is due to the eyes' difficulty adjusting to changes in light. This can make it harder to see things in the distance.
 

• Difficulty Seeing Objects in the Periphery

Besides difficulty seeing distant objects, nearsightedness can also cause difficulty seeing things in the periphery. This is due to the eye's inability to effectively focus light on the retina. The peripheral vision may become distorted or blurred as a result.

What to Do If You Suspect You or a Loved One Has Myopia

Do you think you or someone you care about might have myopia? If this is the case, making an appointment with an eye doctor is critical. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine if nearsightedness is present and to what degree. If present, they can provide recommendations for treatment, which may include corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses.
 

Myopia may worsen in some people, resulting in more severe symptoms and problems. Monitoring vision regularly and scheduling routine eye exams to detect any vision changes and ensure proper treatment is essential.

Conclusion

Myopia can affect people of any age. It is essential to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional if you or a loved one have suspicions of myopia. With the proper treatment and monitoring, you can manage the condition to improve overall vision and reduce the risk of complications.
 

For more on myopia, visit Eye Care North at our Cave Creek, Arizona office. Call 480-781-4446 to schedule an appointment today.