Myopia Specialist
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Pine Vision Care
Optometrists & LASIK Consultation located in Philadelphia, PA & Newtown Square, PA
Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, can be a problem for kids and adults alike. At Pine Vision Care in Philadelphia, our doctors help patients of all ages deal with myopia using orthokeratology (OrthoK), a gentle nonsurgical vision-shaping system that uses contact lenses for correction. Book your appointment through the online tool or by calling Pine Vision Care now.
Myopia Q & A
What is myopia?
Myopia is often called nearsightedness. When you suffer from myopia, you can see the area immediately around you fine, but objects in the distance are blurry.
Myopia is the most common vision problem today: Almost 10 million US adults suffer from myopia today, and a full 40% of American children suffer from myopia.
Why does myopia develop?
Myopia happens when your cornea, lens, or both are overly curved in relation to the size of your eyeball. This curvature means you can't focus light in an optimal way, and myopia is the result.
Heredity may also contribute to myopia. If your parents have myopia, your chance of having it is higher.
What are the signs of myopia?
You may find yourself squinting when trying to read signs while driving. Many myopia sufferers find night driving especially challenging. If most objects in the distance look blurry, or if you regularly get headaches due to eye strain, myopia is likely the reason.
In children, myopia signs can include:
- Squinting at the chalkboard in the classroom
- Squinting at the movie screen
- Needing to move closer to distant objects to see them
- Frequent blinking
- Frequent eye rubbing
If you or your child has signs of myopia, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with our doctors at Pine Vision Care as soon as possible. The sooner myopia is diagnosed, the better the chances of halting its progress or even reversing it.
What is the treatment for myopia?
Treatment depends on the situation. For some patients, contact lenses or glasses are an excellent solution. However, standard contacts and glasses don't prevent your myopia from progressing.
Orthokeratology (also called OrthoK, night lenses, or gentle vision-shaping system) is an option for both children and adults who need vision correction. Kids can start OrthoK at 7-8 years old.
The OrthoK system uses rigid contact lenses, worn only at night, to improve your cornea curvature and thus your vision. With OrthoK, you don't have to wear daytime vision correction, and you can get lasting improvement in a matter of days or weeks. Our doctors can discuss whether OrthoK is the right treatment for your myopia with you.
Schedule your myopia exam at Pine Vision Care through the online appointment maker or by phone today.
