Understanding Myopia: What Is It and How Does It Affect Vision?

Myopia is a refractive error that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. This condition occurs when the eye grows too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. As a result, objects in the distance appear blurry, while close-up tasks like reading or using a computer are clear.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is one of the most common vision problems, affecting millions of people worldwide. It's often diagnosed in childhood and tends to worsen as a child grows, particularly during the school years. Genetics play a significant role, but environmental factors, such as increased screen time and less outdoor activity, have also contributed to a rise in myopia cases.
 

How Does Myopia Affect Vision?

People with myopia may struggle to see distant objects, such as road signs, classroom whiteboards, or sports activities, without corrective lenses. In severe cases, uncorrected myopia can even impact a person's ability to perform everyday tasks. Without proper management, progressive myopia can lead to more serious eye health issues later in life, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
 

The Importance of Myopia Management

Managing myopia is crucial, especially for children, to slow down the progression and prevent long-term vision problems. With the rising prevalence of myopia, early intervention is more important than ever. Myopia management helps preserve vision quality, reduces the risk of future eye diseases, and improves a person’s overall quality of life.
 

At Burbank Family Optometry, we specialize in myopia control treatments that are designed to slow down the progression of myopia and protect your child’s eye health. Our advanced myopia management solutions are tailored to the individual needs of each patient, ensuring the best possible care.
 

Myopia Control at Burbank Family Optometry

At Burbank Family Optometry, we offer two effective myopia control methods: Ortho-K lenses and MiSight contact lenses.
 

• Ortho-K Lenses: Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Ortho-K is a safe, non-invasive option for myopia control and is especially appealing to active children who may find glasses cumbersome.
   

• MiSight Contact Lenses: MiSight lenses are soft daily disposable contact lenses that have been clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia in children. These lenses correct vision while also helping to reshape the eye, providing a convenient and effective way to manage myopia.
   

By offering both Ortho-K and MiSight, Burbank Family Optometry provides flexible options to meet the diverse needs of our patients. Our optometrists are highly trained in myopia management and work closely with families to develop personalized treatment plans.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam with Burbank Family Optometry Today

If your child is experiencing symptoms of myopia, contact Burbank Family Optometry to schedule a consultation and learn more about our myopia management solutions. Visit our office in Burbank, California, or call (747) 323-4500 to book an appointment today.