Understanding Myopia: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of directly on it, making distant objects appear blurry while nearby objects remain clear. At Lunettes du Monde Optometry, we believe that understanding myopia is the first step toward effective management and care.
 

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
 

• Eye Shape: Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina.

• Genetics: If one or both parents have myopia, the likelihood of their children developing it increases significantly.

• Environmental Influences: Prolonged near tasks like reading, using smartphones, or working on computers can contribute to the development of myopia, particularly in children.
   

Common Symptoms of Myopia

Recognizing the symptoms of myopia is crucial for timely intervention. Common signs include:
 

• Blurry Distant Vision: Difficulty seeing distant objects like road signs, whiteboards, or TV screens.

• Eye Strain: Squinting or straining to see clearly.

• Frequent Headaches: These can result from prolonged eye strain.

• Difficulty in School: Children with undiagnosed myopia may struggle with reading or seeing the board in classrooms.
   

If you or your child experience these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam is essential.
 

Risk Factors for Myopia

Certain factors can significantly increase the likelihood of developing myopia. One of the most prominent is family history. Myopia has a strong genetic component, meaning children with one or both parents who are nearsighted are at a much higher risk of developing the condition themselves.
 

Another contributing factor is increased screen time. Spending extended periods focusing on screens, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, or engaging in other near-vision tasks like reading, can accelerate the progression of myopia. The strain from prolonged close-up work puts stress on the eyes, potentially worsening the condition over time.
 

Additionally, lack of outdoor time has been linked to a higher risk of myopia, especially in children. Studies suggest that exposure to natural light and spending time outdoors may play a protective role in eye health. Reduced time outside could increase the chances of developing myopia during critical developmental years.
 

Finally, early onset of myopia is another key risk factor. When myopia begins in childhood, it often progresses more rapidly and can lead to higher degrees of nearsightedness later in life. This progression increases the risk of severe vision problems and complications, underscoring the importance of early detection and management.
 

Managing Myopia at Lunettes du Monde Optometry

At Lunettes du Monde Optometry, we provide a range of personalized solutions to effectively manage myopia and help preserve your vision and overall eye health. Our approach includes advanced treatments designed to slow the progression of myopia, especially in children.
 

One of the options we offer is orthokeratology (Ortho-K), a non-surgical treatment that uses specially designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is particularly effective for managing myopia progression in children and teenagers.
 

We also offer MiSight soft contact lenses, which are specifically designed for myopia control. These daily disposable lenses are clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children while providing clear and comfortable vision.
 

For patients seeking a medicated approach, we provide atropine eye drops, which are low-dose prescription drops that have been shown to effectively slow myopia progression. Atropine treatment is safe and well-tolerated, making it a popular choice for managing myopia in younger patients.
 

In addition, we offer myopia control eyeglass lenses that are specially designed to reduce the strain on the eyes and help manage myopia progression. These lenses incorporate advanced technology to provide clear vision while supporting the long-term health of your eyes.
 

Take Action Today

Managing myopia is an essential step in maintaining lifelong eye health and clear vision. We offer a comprehensive range of innovative solutions to help slow the progression of myopia and improve quality of life. 
 

If your child is experiencing symptoms of myopia, contact Lunettes du Monde Optometry for a management solution tailored to their unique needs. Visit our office in Berkeley, California, or call (510) 559-8181 to schedule an eye exam today.