Background
Myopia is frequently referred to as “nearsightedness” and is a very common form of visual impairment. In only a few decades, myopia has grown from affecting 25% to now 40% of the American population. By the year 2050, it is projected that this will grow to 50% of people being myopic. Researchers estimate that by 2050 – myopia will be the leading cause of vision loss worldwide.
Causes
What is causing this impairment to grow so rapidly? Researchers suspect it is due to lifestyle changes. As the population continues to spend more time indoors doing near work, myopia becomes increasingly more common. Additionally, individuals are more likely to develop myopia if their parents are myopic.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of myopia include:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects
- The need to squint or partially close the eyelids to see clearly
- Headaches caused by eyestrain
- Difficulty seeing while driving a vehicle, particularly at night
A person may be nearsighted if they:
- Squint persistently
- Need to sit closer to the television or at the front of the classroom
- Are unaware of distant objects
- Blink excessively
- Rub their eyes frequently
Treatment
Nearsightedness can be treated by glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery, depending on the severity of the case.
Some of the best glasses for nearsighted people include high-index lenses, which can make glasses thinner and lighter, and an anti-reflective coating. Additionally, ask Beverly Hills Institute of Ophthalmology Physician about photochromic lenses, these lenses help protect you from ultraviolet rays and blue light.
If it is necessary to correct your myopia through LASIK surgery, Beverly Hills Ophthalmologists Dr. Khodabakhsh or Dr. Hofbauer can discuss the different treatment procedures with you.