What Will Happen if Myopia is Left Untreated?

Myopia is a refractive error that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. It is a widespread condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is slightly longer than normal or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light rays to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it, resulting in blurry vision for distant objects.
 

What Are the Causes and Symptoms of Myopia?

The exact cause of myopia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. If one or both parents have myopia, there is a higher chance of developing the condition. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors such as excessive near work and inadequate outdoor time have been associated with an increased risk of myopia development.
 

Symptoms of myopia include blurry vision when looking at distant objects, difficulty seeing road signs or the blackboard at school, squinting or straining to see clearly, and eye fatigue or headaches after prolonged visual tasks.
 

The Consequences of Untreated Myopia

Leaving myopia untreated can lead to various complications and impact your overall eye health. One of the most significant risks is the progression of myopia, which means that your vision continues to deteriorate over time. Higher levels of myopia have been associated with an increased risk of developing sight-threatening conditions such as retinal detachment, cataracts, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. These conditions can cause permanent vision loss and significantly impact your quality of life.
 

Apart from the potential long-term complications, untreated myopia can also affect your daily activities. It can make it challenging to participate in sports or outdoor activities that require good distance vision. It may also affect your performance in school or at work, as reading the board or seeing presentations can be difficult. Untreated myopia can cause eyestrain and headaches, leading to discomfort and decreased productivity.
 

Exploring Myopia Management Methods

One of the most common methods to manage myopia is through the use of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses. Multifocal glasses or contact lenses are designed to provide clear vision at different distances, including both near and far. They work by correcting the refractive error of the eye, allowing light to focus correctly on the retina. By wearing multifocal glasses or contacts, you can alleviate the symptoms of myopia and improve your overall visual acuity.
 

Orthokeratology, commonly known as Ortho-K, is a non-surgical method to manage myopia. It involves wearing specialized gas-permeable contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. These lenses exert gentle pressure on the cornea, flattening it slightly to correct the refractive error and provide clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.
 

Atropine eye drops have gained attention as a potential treatment for myopia progression. Atropine is a medication that dilates the pupil and temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for focusing the lens in the eye. By doing so, it reduces the strain on the eye and slows down the elongation of the eyeball, which is the underlying cause of myopia progression.
 

Lastly, prioritize regular eye exams to monitor your myopia and ensure that it is being effectively managed. Your optometrist can assess your vision, prescribe the most appropriate corrective lenses, and recommend additional management methods if necessary.
 

Protecting Your Vision and Eye Health with the Help of Manchester Eyecare

Untreated myopia can have significant consequences on your eye health and overall well-being. Various management methods can effectively slow down myopia progression and improve your visual acuity. Consult with your eye doctor to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs. By taking proactive steps to manage your myopia, you can protect your vision and enjoy optimal eye health in the long run.
 

Take control of your vision and protect your eye health for the future. Schedule an appointment with our optometrist to discuss the best management options for your myopia, visit Manchester Eyecare at our office in North Manchester, Indiana. Please call (260) 306-3937 to book an appointment today.