Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision problems worldwide. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it is estimated that approximately 40% of the US population is affected by myopia. That number is also rapidly rising. This rise is attributed to various factors, including increased screen time and reduced outdoor activities. The condition typically develops during childhood and can progress over time, often stabilizing in adulthood.

Individuals with myopia often experience blurred vision when trying to view distant objects, which can make tasks such as driving or watching screens from afar challenging. Squinting frequently in an attempt to improve clarity is also very common. Additionally, headaches and eye strain can occur due to the constant effort required to focus on distant objects.

Treating myopia early is crucial to prevent the progression of the condition, which can lead to severe eye health issues later in life. When myopia progresses, it can increase the risk of serious complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts, which can ultimately lead to vision impairment or even blindness. Early treatment can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce these risks.

Untreated myopia can lead to a range of complications that impact vision and overall quality of life. One of the primary risks is progressive vision loss, as untreated myopia can worsen over time. This can make daily tasks, such as driving or recognizing faces, challenging without corrective lenses. Furthermore, high levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of developing more serious eye conditions, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Additionally, individuals with uncorrected myopia may experience frequent headaches and eye strain due to constant squinting or other efforts to improve focus.

Myopia often progresses over time, especially during childhood and adolescence. As a result, distant objects may appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Various factors, such as genetics and environmental influences, can contribute to the worsening of myopia. Because the condition can worsen over time, it's essential to monitor your eye health to manage your myopia effectively and explore options that might slow its progression.

Myopia can be managed using various treatments, each with possible side effects. Glasses and contact lenses are typical non-invasive options; however, contact lenses may cause dry eyes, irritation, or infections if not handled properly. Laser-assisted procedures, such as LASIK, aim to correct myopia by reshaping the cornea and often result in temporary side effects like dry eyes, glare, or halos around lights.

The cost of myopia management can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the type of treatment used. Generally, common myopia management options include prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses and LASIK. The cost for prescription glasses or contact lenses can range from $100 to $500 annually, depending on brand and quality. LASIK can cost anywhere from $1000-$3000.

Whether myopia control is covered by insurance can vary based on a variety of factors, including the specific insurance plan and the exact treatment. Generally, traditional vision insurance plans may cover only basic eye exams and corrective lenses, but they might not fully cover advanced contact lenses designed for myopia management or LASIK surgery. It is crucial to review your insurance policy or directly contact your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage for myopia control methods.

Myopia control treatments for children, which typically include options such as multifocal contact lenses and glasses, are generally considered safe. However, individual responses to these treatments can vary, and it's important for parents to thoroughly understand the potential benefits and risks associated with each option. Regular monitoring and follow-up with our team at Advanced Eye Surgeons is essential to ensure optimal outcomes and safety for the child's vision health. We start seeing pediatric patients at the age of 12.