What Happens if Myopia is Left Untreated?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects the way your eyes focus light. When you have myopia, distant objects appear blurred and out of focus, while nearby objects are clear. This condition typically develops during childhood and adolescence, and if left untreated, it can lead to a range of complications that can have a significant impact on your vision and overall eye health.
 

What is Myopia and How Does it Develop?

Myopia occurs when the eye's cornea or the eye's lens is too curved, or when the eye is longer than normal. This causes light to focus in front of the retina, rather than directly on the retina. As a result, distant objects appear blurred, while nearby objects remain clear.
 

Myopia can develop due to a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental influences, and lifestyle habits. Spending too much time on near-work activities, such as reading, using digital devices, or working at a computer, can contribute to the development and progression of myopia.
 

Signs and Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred vision, especially when trying to focus on distant objects. You may also experience eye strain, headaches, and difficulty with activities that require clear distance vision, such as driving, playing sports, or watching movies. Some other common signs and symptoms of myopia include:

• Squinting or straining to see clearly
• Difficulty reading signs or seeing the board in school
• Frequent eye rubbing or blinking
• Sensitivity to glare or bright lights

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye examination with an optometrist to determine the cause and severity of your myopia.
 

Risks of Untreated Myopia

Leaving myopia untreated can lead to a range of complications and long-term effects that can have a significant impact on your vision and overall eye health. Untreated myopia can increase your risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration. These conditions can cause permanent vision loss if not properly managed.

Untreated myopia can also make it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as driving, reading, or participating in sports and leisure activities. This can lead to a reduced quality of life and increased dependence on others.
 

Myopia Management Techniques

There are several effective myopia management techniques available that can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of complications. These include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This treatment involves wearing specially designed, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea and improve distance vision during the day.
• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.
• Dual Focus Soft Contact Lenses: These specialized contact lenses have a central zone for clear distance vision and a peripheral zone that helps to slow the progression of myopia.

These myopia management techniques can be used in combination with traditional corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, to provide comprehensive vision care and reduce the long-term risks associated with untreated myopia.
 

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Heights Vision Specialists Today

Leaving myopia untreated can have serious consequences for your vision and overall eye health. From increased risks of eye diseases to reduced quality of life and the potential for vision-related accidents, the consequences of untreated myopia can be significant.
 

By understanding the signs and symptoms of myopia and seeking early treatment, you can take proactive steps to manage your condition and protect your vision. Regular eye examinations, coupled with the use of effective myopia management techniques, can help slow the progression of myopia and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
 

Don't let untreated myopia put your vision at risks, schedule an eye exam with Heights Vision Specialists to discuss the best treatment options for your child’s needs and take control of their eye health. Visit our office in Houston, Texas, or call (832) 501-3300 to book an appointment today.