Options for Correcting Your Myopia

Myopia is one of the most common vision problems in the country, with millions of people dealing with it on a daily basis. In fact, as society has become more and more reliant on screens, myopia has become even more common than before. Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is a condition where close objects are clear, but distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eye itself is too long, or the cornea has too much curvature, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. So how can you correct this issue and see more clearly? There are several options available to you.

Eyeglasses

Glasses are the oldest and simplest method for correcting myopia. They work by adjusting the way light enters the eye, ensuring that it focuses correctly on your retina. Glasses are an easy and noninvasive way to correct your vision, and can offer extra benefits like UV protection and reduced eye strain through the use of specialized coatings. Glasses are also the best choice for children, who aren’t quite ready for placing an object in their eye.

Contact Lenses

Contacts are another very popular choice for correcting myopia. They offer many benefits over glasses, including a wider field of corrected vision (for those wearing glasses, peripheral vision is typically still blurred, as the lenses are only in front of your eyes, not on the sides). Contacts are the better option for active individuals, as they don’t need to be removed when playing sports or swimming, and you don’t have to worry about them sliding down or falling off as you go about your day.

Contacts come in a variety of times, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses. Whether you’re very active or just don’t like the way you look in glasses, contacts are a great option. However, you do need to be comfortable placing the lens directly on your eye, and must follow proper hygiene and care requirements to prevent any eye infections.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, also known as Ortho-K, is a less common means of correcting myopia. It involves wearing specially designed, rigid, gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses temporarily reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. It can be a good option for teenagers, as it slows the progression of myopia in addition to providing clear vision during the day. However, you must be willing to use the lenses consistently, and you’ll need regular follow-up visits with the optometrist to ensure they’re effective.

LASIK

Laser eye surgery is growing in popularity as a means of permanently correcting myopia. LASIK uses a laser to create a thin flap on the cornea, then utilizes a second laser to physically reshape the cornea. This offers quick, long-lasting results, with most people reporting clear vision within a day. While there is some risk, as with any surgery, complications are uncommon, and results can last a lifetime.

Whether you’re interested in glasses, LASIK, Ortho-K, or myopia control contact lenses in Orlando, FL speak to an optometrist about your options.