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 blurry, while close-up objects remain clear. This condition typically develops during childhood and can worsen over time if left untreated.
 

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision, making it difficult to see clearly without corrective lenses or other treatments.
 

Causes of Myopia

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of myopia, including:
 

• Genetics: Myopia often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. If one or both of your parents have myopia, you have a higher risk of developing the condition.

• Environmental factors: Spending too much time on near-work activities, such as reading, using digital devices, or studying for extended periods, can increase your risk of developing myopia. This is because these activities require your eyes to focus on close-up objects for prolonged periods, which can lead to the eyeball elongating over time.

• Lifestyle factors: Lack of outdoor activity and exposure to natural light have been linked to an increased risk of myopia development. Spending more time outdoors may help reduce the progression of myopia in children.

Common Symptoms of Myopia

The primary symptom of myopia is blurred distance vision. You may notice that you struggle to see clearly when looking at objects or people that are far away, such as road signs, chalkboards, or the faces of people across a room. Other common symptoms of myopia include:
 

• Frequent squinting or eye strain when trying to focus on distant objects

• Headaches or eye fatigue after prolonged close-up work

• Difficulty seeing clearly while driving, especially at night

• The need to sit closer to the TV or hold reading materials closer to your face

Risks of Untreated Myopia

Untreated myopia can increase your risk of developing conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration, which can all potentially lead to vision loss if not properly managed.
 

Myopia often worsens over time, especially during childhood and adolescence, when the eyes are still developing. Without proper treatment, the condition can continue to progress, leading to higher degrees of nearsightedness and greater visual impairment.
 

Untreated myopia can also significantly impact your daily life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks, such as driving, reading, or participating in sports and leisure activities. This can lead to reduced productivity, social isolation, and an overall decrease in your quality of life.
 

The Role of Myopia Management

Effective myopia management is crucial to preventing the development of more severe eye conditions and preserving your long-term eye health. By addressing myopia early and implementing appropriate treatment strategies, you can slow the progression of the condition, reduce the risk of associated eye diseases, and maintain better visual function throughout your life.
 

Myopia management typically involves a combination of corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, and various therapeutic interventions, such as specialized eye drops or orthokeratology (corneal reshaping) lenses. The specific treatment approach will depend on your age, the severity of your myopia, and your individual eye health needs.
 

Effective Treatment Options for Myopia

There are several effective treatment options available for managing myopia, including:
 

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K involves the use of specialized, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea while you sleep, reducing the need for corrective lenses during the day.

• Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children, although the long-term effects of this treatment are still being studied.

• Multifocal or bifocal lenses: These specialized lenses can help reduce the progression of myopia by providing different focal points for distant and near vision, which may help control eye growth.

It's important to work closely with your eye care professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs and to regularly monitor the progression of your myopia.
 

Get Started with Oshawa Eye Care Today

Myopia is a common refractive error that can have serious consequences if left untreated. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and risks associated with untreated myopia, you can take proactive steps to manage the condition and protect your long-term eye health.

Effective myopia management, which may involve a combination of corrective lenses, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle changes, can help slow the progression of the condition, reduce the risk of associated eye diseases, and maintain better visual function throughout your life.
 

Schedule an eye exam with Oshawa Eye Care to discuss the best myopia treatment option and take control of your or your child’s eye health. Visit our office in Oshawa, Peterborough, or Bramptom, Ontario. Please call (905) 723-3937, (705) 760-9402 or (647) 348-9926 to book an appointment today.