Do you have to squint your eyes to read that billboard on the highway? Are you unable to recognize your friends from a distance? Well, do not fret. You are not alone. Myopia (nearsightedness) is a prevalent vision problem affecting many people. Experts estimate that myopia affects about a third of people worldwide. 

Do you know what the most popular myopia treatment is? There are no statistics specifically establishing the numbers, but close to 57%, 12%, and 9% in the U.S. indicate they prefer eyeglasses, contact lenses, and both, respectively.

Glasses

The most common and straightforward way to treat myopia is by wearing glasses. Glasses help refract the light that enters your eye. They help make it focus correctly on your retina, improving your vision. 
 

Glasses come in different shapes, sizes, and prescriptions. If you suspect you are myopic, consult your eye doctor before it worsens. Getting your eyes checked will help you find the right glasses. Fortunately, wearing glasses is very easy. Even your little one can wear them all day long without any discomfort.

Contact Lenses

Sometimes, wearing glasses can make you uncomfortable. If this is the case, consider contacts. Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that you wear on your eye. They work the same way as glasses in correcting myopia. 

But unlike glasses, they sit directly on your eyes instead of your nose. Contact lenses require more maintenance than glasses but provide better peripheral vision and a more natural look.

Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology, also known as ortho-k, is a treatment that involves putting on specially designed contact lenses overnight. These lenses reshape the cornea of your eye temporarily, improving your vision when you wake up in the morning. This treatment can help if you have mild to moderate myopia. It is convenient to have clear vision during the day without wearing glasses or contacts.

Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is a surgical procedure utilizing a laser to reshape your cornea permanently. This treatment suits people with moderate to severe myopia who want to stop using their glasses or contacts. Laser eye surgery is a safe and reliable treatment. However, it requires a lot of preparation and extra postoperative care.

Lifestyle Changes

The mentioned treatments aside, some lifestyle changes are also essential. They can also help improve your myopia.
 

• Screen Time Changes - One of the most significant contributors to myopia is spending too much time looking at screens. Taking frequent breaks and reducing screen time can be beneficial.

• Spend Time Outdoors - Taking more time outdoors can improve your myopia. Your risk of the condition decreases when your eyes receive more natural light.

Conclusion

Myopia is a prevalent vision issue affecting many people the world over. Fortunately, there are many treatment options available, from glasses and contacts to laser eye surgery and lifestyle changes. You can choose the treatment that works best for you and improves your vision. Do not let myopia hold you back from seeing the world clearly.
 

For more on myopia treatments, visit Clarity Vision in Williamston, North Carolina. Call (252) 792-2250 to schedule an appointment today.