Nearsightedness (known in medical terms as myopia) is a condition that causes objects at a distance to appear blurry in your vision. This condition is often caught by an eye doctor during your regular eye examinations, or by yourself. You may be able to tell you have nearsightedness if you notice your vision is consistently more fuzzy than normal. If you have been diagnosed with myopia or suspect it, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the treatment options for nearsightedness.
Corrective Eyewear
Prescription glasses are one of the most common solutions to nearsightedness issues. Glasses are a great solution for patients of any age. Eyeglasses are also the most customizable, with a variety of frame and lens options. Some patients may need a stronger prescription than others in order to sharpen their vision, which is why one pair of eyeglasses won’t work for everyone. The only downside to prescription glasses is that some find them tedious to keep track of and wear daily.
Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are another popular solution to nearsightedness. Like eyeglasses, you would need a prescription for contact lenses. The difference between eyeglasses and contact lenses is that contact lenses rest directly on your eye, rather than in a frame, to enhance your vision. Just keep in mind that you will have to be comfortable with touching your eye to put the lenses in. But once you are comfortable with this process, contacts are great for putting in at the beginning of the day and not having to worry about until you take them out at night.
Surgery
There are also surgical options for treating nearsightedness. You may have heard of LASIK surgery, or might even know someone who has received it. LASIK stands for Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, which is the process of surgically removing layers of the cornea to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness. Consult with your eye doctor about all your options, and if you’re interested in surgery, ask if they can direct you to a specialist. There is a difference between your optometrist (eye doctor) and an ophthalmologist, a specialist who has the qualifications to perform eye surgery.
Which of these treatment options for nearsightedness most appeals to you? Each has their pros and cons, so make sure to talk with your optometrist for the best options in your case. Remember is that nearsightedness can be corrected, so do not worry. The most important thing is finding the treatment that is right for you.
