What is myopia?
And how your independent Optometrist can help you manage it.
Managing Myopia: Where Your Independent Optometrist Comes In
In today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, many people are experiencing a common vision issue: myopia, also known as nearsightedness. If you’ve noticed that distant objects appear blurry while close-up ones remain sharp, you’re not alone— myopia affects over 30% of the global population, and it’s on the rise! But don’t worry; your local independent optometrist is here to help you manage this condition with style and care.
So, What Exactly is Myopia? Myopia occurs when the shape of your eye causes light to focus incorrectly, making faraway objects look fuzzy. This happens when the eye is either too long or the cornea is too curved, causing images to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The result? You may squint to see that far-off sign or struggle to recognize someone from a distance.
While genetics play a big role in developing myopia, lifestyle factors—like excessive screen time and spending too much time indoors—are also contributing to its increase, especially in kids and teens.
The prevalence of Myopia among Australian 12 year olds has doubled in 6 years. Myopia in kids tends to progress or get worse throughout childhood, and higher levels of myopia are associated with higher eye disease risks in adulthood.
If your child already wears glasses, you can do something to stop their vision worsening. If they don't you can assess their risk of developing myopia.
Myopia progresses quickly in younger children, as their eyes are growing at a faster rate. Younger children with myopia may therefore require a stronger prescription more frequently, and could be at a higher risk of developing additional eye problems in the future.
Managing myopia doesn’t have to be a struggle, and visiting your independent optometrist is the perfect first step. These professionals aren’t just eyewear experts— they’re your go-to for personalised vision care.
1. Regular Eye Exams: Your independent optometrist will help you stay on top of your eye health with regular exams. They’ll measure the severity of your myopia, track any changes, and adjust your prescription as needed. With frequent check-ups, they can catch early signs of worsening myopia and suggest treatments before it becomes more problematic.
2. Optometrists are well- versed in myopia control techniques, which help slow the progression of nearsightedness. Options include specialised contact lenses, glasses with corrective lenses, and even orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, which reshape the cornea overnight so kids can wake up to clearer vision—no daytime glasses required!
3. Why Choose an Independent Optometrist? Independent optometrists offer a level of personalised care that’s often second to none. They take the time to get to know your individual needs and provide recommendations that fit your lifestyle and preferences. Plus, they often have access to unique eyewear brands, so you can find frames that set you apart from the crowd.
By working closely with an independent optometrist, you’re not just managing myopia—you’re investing in long-term eye health with a trusted local expert. And, you’re supporting a small business that’s dedicated to the community! So, don’t wait until things get blurry, or your child has difficulty learning —schedule an appointment with your local optometrist today.
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