Correct Vision Affected by Myopia
According to the National Eye Institute, almost 42 percent of all Americans are affected by myopia. Also known as nearsightedness, this refractive error can leave you straining to see distant objects, from road signs to far-off family members. If you struggle to see clearly at a distance, the team at Fishman & Sheridan eyeCare Associates in Leesburg, FL, Clermont, FL, and Eustis, FL, offers a variety of treatment options to correct the condition. After conducting a thorough diagnosis, Drs. Jeffrey Sheridan and Craig Fishman can make a recommendation that is suited to your lifestyle, ranging from eyeglasses and contact lenses to intraocular lenses.
What is Myopia?
Farsightedness is the result of a refractive error that prevents light from reaching the retina at the back of the eye. As the part of the eye that translates light into electrical signals that are transmitted to the brain, the retina plays an essential role in vision. But in a myopic eye, light is focused in front of the retina, rather than directly onto it, resulting in blurred distance vision. This may be the product of a numerous structural issues, including an overly curved cornea or an overly thick lens. But regardless of the specific cause, this compromised eyesight can leave patients with headaches and eyestrain.
Standard glasses and contacts are the most common solutions for myopia.
If you suffer from pronounced or high myopia, you have an increased risk for other ocular conditions, including retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma. Each of these problems can cause pronounced vision damage. Consequently, if you are severely nearsighted, it is crucial that you schedule routine eye exams.
How is Myopia Diagnosed?
Our doctors typically conduct a thorough examination to determine if a patient's symptoms match up with myopia. During the appointment, you will undergo both a visual acuity test and a dilated eye exam. During the former, patients are asked to identify a series of letters and numbers from an eye chart at a distance of 20 feet. During the latter, the doctor uses special eyedrops to widen your pupils and carefully examine the retinas and optic nerves for signs of associated ocular conditions.
What are the Treatment Options for Nearsightedness?
Standard glasses and contacts are the most common solutions for myopia. With a broad selection of designer frames and contacts, you can easily find corrective eyewear that suits your style, fits your facial features, and feels comfortable. We often recommend contacts for patients who lead an active lifestyle or who simply do not prefer the aesthetics of glasses.
Depending on your case, Dr. Sheridan or Dr. Fishman can perform refractive surgery to place intraocular lenses or IOLs. These lenses can permanently eliminate the need for glasses or contacts, but are only recommended for certain patients.
Take Advantage of Personalized Care
With the outstanding treatment at our office, you can look at the world with sharp, clear vision. Contact us online today to book a consultation. You can also reach us by phone at (352) 360-2301 for our Leesburg office, (352) 775-0235 for Clermont, or (352) 775-0528 for our Eustis location.
