The Connection Between Myopia and Eye Health: Risks Beyond Blurry Vision

When most people think of myopia, or nearsightedness, they often associate it with the inconvenience of blurry distance vision and the need for glasses or contact lenses. However, myopia is more than just a minor vision issue. It is a progressive condition that can lead to serious eye health complications if not properly managed. At Maxivision Eye Care, we believe in addressing myopia early to protect long-term eye health and preserve quality of life.
 

Understanding the Impact of Myopia on Eye Health

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurry distance vision. But beyond the refractive error lies a more significant concern: the elongation of the eye increases the risk of developing serious eye diseases over time.
 

Individuals with moderate to high myopia are more likely to experience:

• Retinal detachment
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Myopic maculopathy (degeneration of the retina due to excessive eye growth)

These risks increase as myopia progresses, making early intervention and ongoing management essential.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Traditional glasses and contact lenses correct vision, but they do not slow the progression of myopia. By addressing the root cause of myopia progression, we can reduce the likelihood of long-term vision complications and improve overall eye health. At Maxivision Eye Care, we offer several evidence-based treatment options to help manage myopia in children and young adults.
 

Myopia Management Options

Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves wearing specially designed rigid contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while the patient sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. More importantly, Ortho-K has been shown to slow the progression of myopia by limiting the elongation of the eye.

MiSight contact lenses are daily disposable soft lenses specifically approved by the FDA for myopia control. They use a unique dual-focus design that helps correct vision while simultaneously slowing the progression of myopia in children. MiSight lenses are comfortable, easy to use, and clinically proven to reduce eye growth associated with myopia.

Low-dose atropine drops have been found effective in slowing myopia progression. These drops are typically used nightly and can be a great option for children who are not ready for contact lenses or prefer a non-lens-based treatment. The exact mechanism by which atropine works is still being studied, but its ability to reduce eye growth makes it a valuable tool in myopia management.
 

Taking a Proactive Approach

The earlier myopia is identified and managed, the better the outcome for long-term vision health. Annual comprehensive eye exams are critical for detecting changes in vision and implementing a personalized myopia management plan. At Maxivision Eye Care, we work closely with families to determine the best treatment option based on age, lifestyle, and the degree of myopia.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Maxivision Eye Care and learn more about our customized myopia management solutions. Visit our office in Naperville, Illinois, or call (630) 904-1900 to book your appointment today.