Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is an eye disorder commonly diagnosed before age twenty. Myopia makes you see the objects near you well, but you have trouble viewing things that are far, like road signs. Experts are unsure of the exact cause of this condition, but hereditary and environmental factors are closely associated with it. Untreated myopia can lead to blindness.

Luckily, Dr. Melanie Frogozo treats myopia. Doctors treat and manage myopia conditions depending on the extent of your damage. These treatment techniques include:

Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are the most commonly used treatment for myopia. Depending on the degree of vision correction you need, you will put on your glasses daily or only when you need distance vision. You may need glasses only when driving and kids playing ball, watching a movie, or viewing the chalkboard. You may require a bifocal or progressive lens to see near and far objects if you are over forty years.

Contact lenses

In some cases, your vision can become broader and sharper through contact lenses. But it would be best if you kept them clean for their efficacy. Your healthcare provider must determine the best lens type for your myopia level and other refractive errors.

Ortho-k or CRT

Temporary corneal refractive contact lenses are best for people with mild myopia. You wear them to bed to reshape your cornea for a short time. The effect of corneal refractive lenses will last for the entire day.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses (LASIK)

The LASIK procedure involves your surgeon creating a thin corneal flap of tissue, lifting it, and applying a laser to flatten your cornea. The flap is then replaced and smoothed out. After the LASIK procedure, the recovery process is quick since the flap protects the tissue during the healing period. Because the recovery time is fast, both eyes can be operated simultaneously.

Laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK)

LASEK procedure involves your doctor using a laser to cut a flap through the top layer of your cornea. The doctor reshapes the outer layers and then closes the flap.

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK)

 During the PRK procedure, your specialist removes the outermost corneal epithelial cells and applies the laser to flatten the cornea. A bandage contact lens is then placed to protect the cornea during healing. PRK takes a more extended period to heal than LASIK, so one eye is operated on at a time. It is best for patients with thinner corneas or a rough cornea surface.   

Phakic intraocular lenses

 If your corneas are too thin, you may not qualify for PRK or LASIK, so your specialist can use phakic intraocular lenses. If you have high myopia, they can also be effective. Phakic intraocular lenses are placed in your eye in front of your natural lenses.

Vision therapy

 This treatment applies if spasms of the focusing muscles cause your myopia. You can strengthen your muscles through eye exercises and improve focus.

Spending some time outdoors, avoiding smoking, wearing sunglasses outside, and limiting your time on digital devices can help prevent myopia. Schedule an appointment at Alamo Eye Care for myopia treatment to eliminate your blurry vision.