Myopia in Greenbelt & Bowie, MD

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is an eye condition that causes visual impairment when viewing items that are at a certain distance from the eyes. Approximately 30 percent of the U.S. population has myopia, making it one of the most common types of vision impairment. People who are nearsighted usually have no problems viewing objects that are close up, such as when reading, but might have difficulty watching television or seeing the front of their classrooms. 

The good news is that myopia is easily managed, and patients have several options to choose from to help clear their vision. If you or your child are having trouble seeing far away, schedule an appointment with Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons at our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD offices. We'll perform a thorough examination to find your exact degree of nearsightedness and then talk with you about all of your options for obtaining your best vision.

For most patients, the most noticeable symptom of nearsightedness is not being able to see far-away objects clearly. Things might seem hazy or blurry, or you might not be able to distinguish some things at all. Some patients with untreated or undiagnosed nearsightedness (myopia) experience general fatigue, eye fatigue, and headaches from constantly straining to focus their eyes. Fortunately, prescription glasses, contacts lenses, and laser vision correction are all very easy, safe, and effective ways to manage myopia. 

Nearsightedness occurs when the shape of a person's eyeballs is slightly more oblong (from front to back) than perfectly round. This slight difference in shape alters the direction of entering light so that it does not hit the retina correctly. Myopia can be hereditary and typically begins to affect vision for children sometime between 1st – 12th grade. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can also lead to myopia in adults.

The treatment options for nearsightedness include prescription eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser vision correction surgery. When you come to Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons for your exam, we will go over your diagnosis, habits, and daily activities to find your best treatment method. If you decide you'd like to have laser vision correction, we'll set up a consultation with one of our board-certified ophthalmologists to get you started.

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a very common type of vision impairment that is highly treatable in most cases. If you believe you are nearsighted, or if you have been diagnosed as nearsighted, but your corrective lenses have not stopped your headaches or eye strain, getting the proper treatment could be life-changing. Contact Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons to set up an appointment at our Greenbelt or Bowie, MD location so we can help.