Nearsightedness, also referred to as myopia, is a refractive error that makes it difficult to see objects at a distance. This is a fairly common eye condition in America. If you go to your next eye exam in Westminster, MD, or the surrounding area, and discover you have myopia, you shouldn’t be that shocked. You may already notice signs that something isn’t quite justifywith your eyes. Common symptoms of myopia include:
- Fatigue after focusing on something far away
- Trouble seeing objects at a distance, such as road signs
- Headaches
Like with other refractive errors, there are treatments for nearsightedness.
Atropine Eye Drops
When myopia is diagnosed in children, the goal is often to slow down the progress of the condition. Atropine eye drops may help do this. Atropine is often used to dilate the pupil. During the dilation, the eye’s focusing mechanism becomes temporarily relaxed. This relaxation allows the eye to focus without strain. These drops have to be used consistently for effective results because the outcomes are short term. Before you start this kind of treatment, be sure you talk to your optometrist about the drawbacks of using atropine eye drops.
Multifocal Eyewear
There are certain eyeglasses and contact lenses that have multiple lens powers in a single lens. These products are often called bifocals or trifocals depending on the number of different lens powers. This gives the wearer the chance to see clearer at both a distance and up close. This treatment option may be used on either adults or children.
Orthokeratology
This is a corneal refractive therapy designed to help correct nearsightedness, so you don’t have to wear any eyewear. Your eye doctor will give you a special pair of rigid gas permeable contact lenses that you wear at night. These lenses temporarily change the shape of your cornea. When you remove the contacts in the morning, your cornea retains the new shape throughout the day. This treatment can also be prescribed for either children or adults.