Nearsightedness – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Checking How Well You See at a Distance
The eye care provider starts with a simple test to measure how clearly a person can see far away. The patient covers one eye and reads letters or shapes from a chart placed across the room.
Each eye is tested separately. For small children, special charts with symbols are used. This test helps spot problems like myopia and other refractive errors by showing if distant objects look blurry.
Measuring Prescription Strength
The provider uses a device with many different lenses to find out what lens prescription gives the clearest vision. Patients sit and look through the phoropter while reading from a chart.
The specialist switches lenses back and forth, asking the patient which makes the letters look sharper. This step determines how much correction is needed for nearsightedness so glasses or contact lenses can be made.
Additional Eye Health Checks
Providers may perform several other quick checks to look for any eye health concerns:
- How the pupils react to light
- How the eyes move
- Ability to see at the edges (side vision)
- Pressure inside the eye
- The state of the cornea, pupil, lens, and eyelids
These checks help rule out other vision problems, visual impairments, or risks that may cause blurred vision, eye strain, or headaches.
Looking Inside the Eye
The provider uses a bright light and a special lens to examine the retina and optic nerve.
Usually, they put drops in the eyes to make the pupils larger, making it easier to see the inside of the eye and check for any damage or signs of health issues.
Eyes may be sensitive to light for a short time after, so wearing sunglasses is recommended.
Treatment
Glasses and Contact Lenses
Most people use prescription lenses to correct nearsightedness. Glasses are simple to use and safe for daily wear. They help the eyes focus by changing how light enters, letting the person see more clearly.
Eyeglasses can also correct other problems, like astigmatism or trouble seeing up close. Contact lenses are another choice. These small, thin pieces of plastic sit directly on the surface of the eye.
Some people prefer contact lenses because they do not change their appearance and may give a wider field of vision than glasses.
Different kinds of contacts are available, such as soft lenses for comfort and rigid lenses that keep their shape longer.
Both glasses and contact lenses require a correct prescription from an eye doctor.
| Type | Advantages | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Glasses | Easy to use, safe, low upkeep | Can break, may get lost, visible |
| Contact Lens | Less noticeable, broad vision | Daily care needed, may irritate |
Eyeglass frames come in many styles and materials, allowing people to pick what feels best for them.
Laser and Surgical Procedures for Nearsightedness
Surgeons offer surgical options for people who want a more lasting change. These surgeries use lasers or special tools to gently reshape the cornea, adjusting how light bends as it enters the eye.
The main goal is to lower how much a person relies on glasses or contacts.
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is the most well-known laser surgery. The doctor carefully lifts a thin layer of the cornea, uses a laser to shape the tissue under it, and then puts the layer back.
LASEK (Laser-Assisted Subepithelial Keratectomy) and PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) are other common procedures.
| Surgical Type | Key Feature | Typical Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| LASIK | Flap made, tissue shaped with laser | Few days |
| PRK | No flap, surface reshaped | About a week |
| SMILE | Tiny incision, lenticule removed | Quick |
Both involve removing or moving the outer layer of the cornea so a laser can reshape it. In PRK, a protective contact lens is put on the eye while the eye heals.
Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) is a newer option. The doctor uses a laser to make a small, disc-shaped piece inside the cornea, then removes it through a tiny cut. This method does not need a large flap or lifting the outer layer.
Not everyone is a candidate for these surgeries. Surgeons usually recommend that a personโs nearsightedness has stopped changing before surgery.
Surgery can lessen, but not always erase, the need for glasses or contacts. Doctors explain the possible benefits and risks for each patient.
Ways to Slow Worsening of Nearsightedness
New methods help keep nearsightedness from getting worse, especially in children and teenagers. Some of the latest therapies include:
- Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops: These drops slow how fast nearsightedness grows in young people.
- More Time Outdoors: Studies suggest that children and teens who spend more time outside may be less likely to get more nearsighted.
- Specialized Dual Focus Contact Lenses: These lenses correct vision and slow the rate of worsening nearsightedness at the same time.
- Orthokeratology: Also called โortho-k,โ this method uses a hard contact lens worn at night. The special lens reshapes the cornea while the person sleeps, so they can see clearly without glasses or contacts during the day. It may also reduce how fast nearsightedness gets worse.
Regular visits to an eye care specialist help catch any changes or risks, such as glaucoma or retinal issues, early so they can be managed the right way.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Daily habits support clear vision and help prevent eye problems. Regular eye checkups help detect issues early.
People should wear sunglasses to block harmful UV rays and use protective eyewear when playing sports or working with dangerous tools. Bright lighting helps when reading or working.
A healthy diet and exercise routine support eye health. Follow your eye care provider’s instructions for wearing and cleaning prescription lenses.
Every 20 minutes, take a brief break from screens to rest the eyes. Managing health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, is important. Avoiding smoking also helps protect eyesight.
Getting Ready for Your Eye Visit
Types of Eye Professionals
Three main types of eye care experts may be involved in regular eye exams and treatment:
| Specialist | Education | What They Do |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmologist | M.D. or D.O. + ophthalmology residency | Diagnose, treat eye diseases, perform surgery |
| Optometrist | Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) | Eye exams, prescribe glasses/contacts |
| Optician | Special training, sometimes licensed | Fit glasses/contacts (not diagnose/treat) |
Ophthalmologists manage complex eye care and carry out surgery. Optometrists focus on exams, diagnosing common issues, and adjusting prescriptions.
Opticians help you select and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses based on a prescription from one of the doctors.
How to Prepare Before the Visit
Proper preparation helps you get the most from each regular eye exam. Follow this checklist:
Bring your current eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you wear contacts, bring the boxes or packages for each eye.
Write down any symptoms. Common symptoms include blurred vision, trouble reading, or difficulty seeing at night.
List all medications, vitamins, or supplements you take. This helps the specialist understand anything that may impact your vision.
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Prepare questions ahead of time. Bring a printed or written list. Good questions include:
- When should I use corrective lenses?
- What are the pros and cons of glasses versus contacts?
- How often should I return for eye exams?
- Am I a candidate for surgery or more permanent solutions?
- Are there any side effects to certain treatments?
- Will my insurance cover the recommended options?
Bringing these items and questions to the appointment makes the visit smoother and ensures all your needs are addressed.
Questions Your Doctor May Ask
The doctor or eye care provider will ask questions to better understand your eye health and needs:
- When did you first notice any problems with your vision?
- Does your eyesight get better if you squint or change how close things are?
- Do family members use glasses or contacts, and when did they start?
- When did you first get glasses or contacts?
- Do you have any health issues such as diabetes?
- Have you started any new medicines or supplements recently?
If you prepare to answer these questions, the specialist can spot patterns and suggest the best next steps for regular eye care. Answer as honestly as possible, even if you are unsure about details.
