Myopia in Baton Rouge, LA

Close to 130 million people in the United States are diagnosed with myopia (nearsightedness), which means it is one of the most common refractive errors. Myopia is a visual impairment that causes difficulty or an inability to see things that are distant from the eye. In other words, objects that are far away seem unclear or foggy. Myopia is generally thought to be caused by an abnormally shaped eyeball or cornea, which prevents light from focusing properly on the eye. The most common symptoms of myopia include blurry vision, squinting, and eyestrain. At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, our team offers several effective treatment options to provide better eyesight for those struggling with myopia. Contact our office in Baton Rouge, LA to arrange an eye exam if you have noticed changes in your vision or are having trouble seeing things at a distance.

CAUSES OF MYOPIA

Research has indicated that myopia can be either inherited or caused by certain activities. The blurred vision that happens with nearsightedness is due to the abnormal shape of the eyeball in general or the cornea. If the eyeball is too long front to back, or when the cornea is too domed, any light coming into the eye can't center perfectly onto the retina.

Usually, nearsightedness starts to develop in young students, especially in children who may be genetically predisposed. But adults could also become nearsighted from environmental factors or other health issues. Some things that have been linked to nearsightedness include concentrated reading and writing over prolonged periods (such as in study or workplace contexts), not going outside, and, particularly, spending prolonged periods reading content on mobile devices. Myopia can also be associated with unmanaged blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

SYMPTOMS OF MYOPIA

There are various symptoms of myopia, including:

• Objects at a distance are blurry, but close objects may be clear
• Squinting
• Eye fatigue and strain
• Headaches
• Vision issues

If you notice any symptoms of myopia, you should schedule a consultation at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians for a proper evaluation.

At Baton Rouge Eye Physicians, we believe all of our Baton Rouge, LA patients deserve clear and unhindered vision. Treatment for myopia, or nearsightedness, can include benefits such as:

• Relieving constant squinting or strain on the eyes
• Healing headaches and migraines that might be due to myopia
• Easily corrected, in-office treatment solutions
• Customizable vision assistance that fits into your lifestyle

Individuals who have myopia can generally see very well with near vision but have trouble seeing far-away objects, such as traffic signs, speakers and lecturers at the office or in the classroom, or their TV. If you struggle to see objects that are at a distance, you may be diagnosed with severe, moderate, or mild nearsightedness. For those who are nearsighted, there are plenty of choices to deal with it and help clear up your vision. At his practice in Baton Rouge, LA, ophthalmologist Donald Peavy, M.D. offers diagnoses of sight impairments like myopia and offers suitable solutions that serve your daily routine. Call Baton Rouge Eye Physicians to set up an eye exam if you have noticed shifts in your vision or are having problems seeing things in the distance.

Testing for myopia is fairly easy and is typically done with a routine acuity assessment. Most of those who are told they have myopia have several effective treatment options available, depending on their prescription and typical day-to-day activities. Our team almost always prescribes eyeglasses or contacts to enhance vision. Many patients choose to use both to accommodate their unique routines. Certain patients could also be candidates for laser vision correction surgery for long-lasting results. Let us know if you are interested in refractive surgery (like LASIK), and we will be happy to perform an evaluation to see if you may be a good candidate.

How common is myopia?

The prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more common around the world. In the U.S. alone, almost 40% of people have some degree of myopia.

Can myopia go away without treatment?

Once myopia is developed, there is no treatment to reverse the effects. This is why it is important to seek treatment at the onset of symptoms. Our team at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians can help identify the best course of treatment specifically for you.

Can myopia cause or lead to blindness?

Although extremely rare, myopia can lead to serious vision complications and even blindness. This is usually the result of advanced high myopia that has progressed into degenerative myopia. However, with multiple treatment options including laser vision correction in addition to glasses and contact lenses, treatment for myopia can be very easy, safe, and effective at Baton Rouge Eye Physicians.

Having vision that is not as sharp as it could be may often result in other unwanted symptoms, such as migraines and fatigue. Nearsightedness is an extremely common vision impairment that is often easily treatable for most patients. Wearing corrective lenses or having refractive laser surgery could dramatically improve vision for patients of all ages. Contact Baton Rouge Eye Physicians in Baton Rouge, LA to learn more or set up an appointment with one of our seasoned ophthalmologists.