Nearsightedness, or myopia, makes distant objects blur while near vision stays clear. It’s one of the most common vision conditions, and today there are effective ways to correct it and slow its progression. Our team in Amesbury can tell you where you stand.
For clear vision, light has to focus precisely on the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. In nearsightedness, the eye is too long, so light focuses in front of the retina instead. Near objects look sharp, but distant ones appear blurry without corrective lenses.
Myopia usually develops while the eye is still growing during childhood and adolescence. It tends to stabilize between ages 20 and 40, and it runs in families.
Children with myopia may struggle to read the whiteboard or screen at school. Younger children often can’t describe their vision problems, but their behavior can offer clues.
If you notice any of these behaviors, a comprehensive eye exam can confirm whether your child’s vision is healthy and catch any problems early.
Diagnosing myopia involves a comprehensive eye exam that measures how well you see and checks the overall health of your eyes.
We ask about the vision problems you're noticing, family history of myopia, your general health, and any medications.
You read letters from a standard chart at a set distance. Results are recorded as a fraction, such as 20/20 for normal vision or 20/40 for nearsightedness.
Using a phoropter, you compare lenses to find the strength that gives the clearest vision and determine the exact prescription.
For young children or anyone who has trouble answering questions, we shine a light into the eye and observe the reflection to estimate the prescription.
Automated devices measure how light enters the eye and give an initial estimate of the prescription, which we refine with manual testing.
A slit-lamp microscope lets us check the cornea, lens, and retina for abnormalities that could affect vision.
Dilating drops widen the pupils so we can closely examine the retina and optic nerve.
Nearsightedness is about more than blurry distance vision. Higher levels of myopia are linked to a greater risk of serious eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. That’s why managing progression matters for your long-term eye health.
Clouding of the lens becomes more likely as myopia becomes more severe.
Higher myopia is associated with a greater risk of optic nerve damage.
A stretched retina is more vulnerable, making regular retinal checks important.
Myopia control methods have been shown to significantly reduce how fast nearsightedness progresses. Without intervention, myopia can keep increasing each year, which means stronger and stronger prescriptions. These treatments are most effective when started early.
A central zone corrects distance vision, while peripheral zones help ease the focusing strain that may contribute to eye growth.
Rigid gas-permeable lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea, giving clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts.
Lenses with multiple focal points reduce strain during close work, which is helpful for children who read or use screens a lot.
Designed to control the defocus pattern on the peripheral retina, which may help slow how fast the eye elongates.
Used with optical treatments in some cases, these drops have been shown to slow myopia progression with long-term use.
In some cases, we recommend combining approaches, such as multifocal contact lenses during the day and atropine drops at night. The right plan depends on your age, prescription, and goals.
Call Foley Vision Center to talk with our eye care team and find out how we can help you see clearly.
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