If you’ve noticed that it’s easier to see objects up close than those in the distance, you may be experiencing nearsightedness, also known as myopia. This common vision condition can affect your daily life, making tasks like driving or watching a movie more difficult. Understanding what may contribute to nearsightedness can help you make informed choices about your eye health.
How Nearsightedness Develops
Nearsightedness typically occurs when the shape of your eye causes light to focus in front of your retina, rather than directly on it. This can happen when your eyeball is too long or when the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, has too much curvature. As a result, distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects stay sharp.
This condition often begins in childhood and may progressively worsen into early adulthood. If one or both of your parents are nearsighted, you may also be more likely to develop it due to a strong genetic component.
The Role of Genetics and Environment
You can inherit a tendency toward myopia, but how you use your eyes day to day may influence how quickly it progresses. Spending significant time on near-focused tasks like reading, studying, or using digital devices may place strain on your eyes. In today’s screen-heavy world, children and teens especially may be more at risk of developing nearsightedness earlier and more severely than in the past.
Signs You May Be Nearsighted
You might start noticing symptoms like squinting to see faraway objects, frequent headaches, or eyestrain after long periods of trying to focus at a distance. Children may sit closer to the TV, hold books very near to their face, or complain about blurry vision in the classroom.
These signs shouldn’t be ignored. An eye exam can help determine whether you or your child may be developing nearsightedness and guide you toward suitable treatment options.
Managing and Slowing Progression
While you can’t reverse nearsightedness, there are ways to manage it and potentially slow its progression. Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses typically provide immediate clarity. For those looking for more lasting options, vision correction procedures like LASIK may be considered in appropriate cases.
Children and teens may benefit from specially designed contact lenses or low-dose atropine eye drops, which have been shown to slow myopia development in some individuals. Lifestyle changes like limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor activities may also support better long-term eye health.
Take the Next Step Toward Clearer Vision
If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of nearsightedness, don’t wait to seek help. Early detection and personalized care may improve your quality of life and protect your long-term vision. Dr. Khouri in Palm Beach offers expert care to help guide you through your options in managing nearsightedness. Contact our office today to learn about your options.
