Nearsightedness, or myopia, is a common vision problem that affects millions of people. It is characterized by blurred vision when looking at objects that are far away. If you have trouble seeing distant objects clearly, you may have myopia. But how can you tell if this is the case? In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and diagnosis of nearsightedness. This way, you can get an accurate diagnosis and find the right treatment for your condition.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

People with nearsightedness often experience a few key symptoms. These include difficulty seeing objects at a distance and having to squint often to have a clearer vision. Another common sign is persistent eye strain or discomfort. While experiencing headaches isn’t usual among those with nearsightedness, it’s still possible.

Those with severe nearsightedness (high myopia) may be more inclined to suffer from other eye problems. An example of this is retinal detachment, which is a serious condition. It occurs when your retina, a thin layer of light-sensitive cells at the back of your eye, gets pulled away from its normal position. It is necessary to address this issue quickly, or it can lead to permanent loss of vision.

Even if you have mild nearsightedness and don’t experience any obvious symptoms, regular eye exams are key to keeping a clear sight. Moreover, it’s critical for young children to undergo eye exams and vision tests, even if they don’t show any symptoms of myopia. Some of them can be born with nearsightedness, while others might develop it in their teenage years.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Myopia is a refractive error that can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination. Your eye doctor will perform a standard vision test and ask you to read letters on a chart at the other end of the room. This will help them determine the severity of your myopia and create an effective treatment plan to improve your vision.

During your eye exam, your eye doctor will use various diagnostic instruments to determine what is causing your nearsightedness. One of those devices is the retinoscope, which shines a light into your eyes and checks its reflection off the retina. This assessment can reveal whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted. A phoropter is another device used for determining myopia. It measures the amount of refractive error you have and suggests the right prescription to help correct your vision.

Cases of nearsightedness have been a growing trend for several decades and continue to increase. In fact, it’s expected that by 2050 around half the world’s population could be affected by this condition. As far as fixing myopia is concerned, there is no single best solution. The corrective measure which would be most apt for you greatly depends on your eyesight and lifestyle.

Are you struggling with vision problems? At Premier Eye Care, we have a team of experts who are ready to check your eyes. Call us at (817) 428-2020 in Fort Worth, Texas, to book an appointment for your eye exam today.