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Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

man with glasses driving

Myopia, commonly called nearsightedness, is a refractive error of the eye, meaning that the shape of the eye or its cornea improperly bends light as it enters the eye. This hinders your ability to focus. Myopia is the most common refractive error of the eyes, and is caused by several factors including eye strain, overuse, and genetic predisposition.

Myopia Symptoms

Nearsighted eyes are longer than normal. When light enters a nearsighted eye, it focuses to a point in front of the retina, where photoreceptors are located. As a result, nearsighted individuals are able to see nearby objects clearly, but have difficulty focusing on distant objects. In addition to having difficulty seeing distant objects such as road signs, a television screen, or a chalkboard, myopia can also cause eye strain, squinting, and headaches. Nearsighted individuals might also experience a sense of fatigue during athletic activities or while driving.

Inherited myopia develops during childhood, and can progressively worsen as the eyes grow until individuals reach about the age of 20. After the eyes have developed fully, myopia can continue to progress due to eye fatigue and eye strain from activities which require the eyes to be focused on nearby objects like reading and computer work. Individuals without inherited myopia can develop nearsightedness from overuse as well.

Myopia Diagnosis

Myopia is usually diagnosed after the patient notices frequent headaches or difficulty seeing distant objects. After a comprehensive eye exam, an eye care professional will provide a myopia diagnosis. The severity of myopia has three classifications which depend on the strength of the prescription determined by an eye care professional: mild, moderate, and high.

Myopia Treatments

Several treatment options exist for individuals with myopia. These include contact lenses, glasses, and refractive surgery. Glasses and contact lenses correct the refractive error in eyes by bending light before it enters the eye, allowing it to focus on the retina. Refractive surgery, like LASIK surgery, physically reshapes the eye to correct the refractive error, eliminating or reducing the need for corrective lenses.

In addition to these treatments, which are intended to correct nearsighted vision, there are also various therapies available to hinder or slow the progression of myopia in childhood. These treatments include multifocal corrective lenses, atropine eye drops, and orthokeratology. The course of treatment which an eye care professional recommends for each patient depends on the severity of the myopia.

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  • My Internal Medicine Doctor recommended Dr. Susan Reckell for my eye care. After a very extensive first eye exam with the doctor, I spent time with the eye care specialist who did not rush me and helped me choose a great pair of glasses within my budget. Highly recommend.

    - Hughes, S. / Scottsdale, AZ
  • Love love love Riviera!!!!! I had the most fun experience ever for an eye exam and contact lens fitting....who knew? Been a customer for a few years and not going anywhere else!!!!!

    - Monahan, C. / Scottsdale, AZ
  • I've been going to Riviera for 15 years and wouldn't consider anywhere else. Great doctors, beautiful eyewear and knowledgeable opticians.

    - Dolinky, A. / Scottsdale, AZ
  • Dr. Reckell is amazing, the staff is amazing and the place is very up to date and wonderful! They have the latest and greatest technology. I am always impressed when I go in. :)

    - Colquhoun, A. / Gilbert, AZ
  • I have been going to Riviera Optic for my eye care and glasses needs for the last 15 years. There commitment towards client satisfaction has consistently exceeded expectations year after year. I always receive comments on my glasses about how great they look on me, I couldn't have done this without the help from their talented staff guiding me with frame selection.

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    Show More - Dunlop, J. / Gilbert, AZ
  • I've always gone to big box eye care centers. Not anymore, the service at Riviera was much better and the environment is much more welcoming.

    - Silva, D. / Mesa, AZ
  • Riviera Opticare is the best at what they do and make you feel right at home.

    - - Fred W. / Mesa, AZ