Liberal,KS
Myopia Management
Liberal, KS
Myopia Management
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a condition where objects up close appear clear while distant objects appear blurry. Myopia is caused by the eye growing elongated over time and leads to progressive loss of vision and prescription changes.
What are the symptoms of myopia?
- Blurry vision when looking at faraway objects
- Squinting to see distant objects
- Headaches, especially after reading or other close work
- Eye strain, especially after prolonged periods of reading, writing or working on a computer
- Needing to sit closer to the TV or front of the classroom to see clearly
If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule an eye exam with our optometrist to determine whether myopia or another vision problem may be the cause. Myopia is linked to a higher risk of developing vision-threatening eye diseases such as retinal detachments, cataracts, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration later in life. Early detection and treatment can help prevent myopia from worsening and reduce the risk of other vision problems later in life.
What are the treatment options for myopia?
There are several different treatment options available for myopia, and the best option will depend on the severity of the condition. For mild cases of myopia, glasses or contact lenses may be all that is needed for vision correction.
At Prairie Vista Eye & Optical in Liberal, we use Wave NightLens® topography-based orthokeratology (or ortho-k) lenses to slow the progression of nearsightedness. Wave NightLens® works by gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. The lens uses a special wavefront technology to customize the treatment to each individual’s specific eye shape, ensuring precise and effective treatment.
Studies have shown that using Wave NightLens® can significantly slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents, reducing the risk of developing high levels of nearsightedness later in life. The lens is typically recommended for children ages 8–12 who have progressive myopia, but it may also be appropriate for older children and adults with myopia.
Managing myopia
The first step to managing myopia is to schedule an appointment at Prairie Vista Eye & Optical for a pediatric eye exam. Our optometrists will perform various tests to check your child’s eyes, determine overall eye health, and screen for myopia. If myopia is discovered, your doctor will guide you through the proper treatment plan to correct it and prevent further progression.