According to research, myopia affects up to 40% of the population by the time they are 17 years. Myopia is a severe medical condition that can increase your risk of developing ocular diseases, and it may worsen to the extent that it leads to permanent vision loss. Dr. Melanie Frogozo offers comprehensive care services that help manage myopia while reducing its risk of progression. The services are excellent, and the team sets itself apart by giving exceptional care in a warm and comfortable environment to ensure you have a fantastic treatment experience.

What should you know about myopia?

Myopia is a visual challenge known as shortsightedness which is the inability to see distant objects. Myopia causes the visual focus of images to be in front of the retina instead of directly, which leads to a blurry vision of distant images. There are several factors, both environmental and health problems, that may result in myopia, and they may include:

·                     Hereditary factors

·                     Constant visual stress

·                     Conditions like diabetes

Myopia can increase your risk of developing vision problems like glaucoma and cataracts and may even lead to permanent vision loss.

What is myopia management?

Myopia management involves a program that helps reduce the risk of developing severe eye complications and reduces myopia levels to low. Myopia management may include using contact lenses, eyeglasses, and eye drops to prevent myopia from progressing.

·                     Eyeglasses

These are comfortable and easy to wear to provide clear vision. Your doctor may recommend bifocal lenses, which have two sections: the upper part, which can help you see distant objects, and the lower part, for near things. The lenses have the power to help reduce stress on your eyes, thus lowering myopia progression.

·                     Contact lenses

Contact lenses have a broader view than eyeglasses and can provide clear vision at all distances. Your doctor may recommend multifocal contact lenses, which improve your vision of distant objects while reducing the stress on your eyes when performing tasks. Consequently, it reduces the further progression of myopia.

·                     Eye drops

Eye drops can reduce myopia progression if you place low doses in the lower eyelid. You may still have to wear your eyeglasses or contact lenses daily to lower myopia progression.

·                     Vision therapy

This treatment is effective and appropriate if you have myopia resulting from reduced eye focusing skills. Your doctor will create a personalized management program to train your visual system and the eye-brain connection so your eyes can perform more efficiently. Hence, you will improve your eye-focusing abilities, lowering your risk of progressing myopia.

How can you prevent the worsening of myopia?

You can use the following guidelines:

·                     Limit time spent on the phone

·                     Adjust screen brightness to comfortable levels

·                     Frequent blinking to ensure that your eyes stay moist

·                     Place screens up to 24 inches away from your face

·                     Spend time outdoors to allow natural light to enter your eyes

Call Alamo Eye Care or request an appointment online if you have any eye concerns, including myopia.