Can Untreated Myopia Lead to Other Eye Problems?

Can Untreated Myopia Lead to Other Eye Problems?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision issues worldwide. This condition typically begins in childhood and can progress over time if left unaddressed. But aside from blurry distance vision, many people don’t realize that untreated myopia can increase the risk of serious eye health problems later in life.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision. It often develops during school-age years and may worsen as a child grows.
 

Risks of Untreated Myopia

While wearing glasses or contacts to correct vision can help with daily functioning, simply correcting vision without slowing myopia’s progression can leave the eyes vulnerable to future complications. High levels of myopia are associated with increased risks for conditions such as:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Myopic macular degeneration

• Cataracts at an earlier age
   

The longer the eye becomes, the more stretched and fragile the tissues at the back of the eye become, raising the chances of permanent vision loss.
 

How Is Myopia Treated?

Myopia treatment goes beyond standard vision correction. Today, several proven myopia management options are available to help slow the progression of the condition and protect long-term eye health.
 

Low-dose atropine eye drops are typically used at bedtime and have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops do not affect vision much during the day and are a safe and convenient way to manage myopia over time.
 

Specially designed multifocal glasses or soft contact lenses provide different prescriptions across various parts of the lens, helping the eye focus correctly while reducing strain. These lenses help in both correcting vision and managing eye growth.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are another effective myopia control treatment. Ortho-K lenses are custom-fitted rigid contact lenses worn overnight. They gently reshape the cornea while the child sleeps, offering clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts. More importantly, Ortho-K has been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia in children.
 

Get Started at Justice Vision Clinic

The earlier myopia is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of reducing the risk of long-term eye issues. Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential to detect changes in vision and determine if a myopia management plan is needed.
 

Schedule an eye exam at Justice Vision Clinic to learn more about options for myopia management solutions. Contact our office in Duluth, Georgia, by calling (770) 626-7883 to book an appointment today.