Myopia near Kansas City, KS

Over 130 million people in America are dealing with myopia (nearsightedness), making it one of the most pervasive refractive vision impairments. Nearsightedness leads to problems with seeing (or an inability to see) items or images that are not close to the eye. In other words, distant objects or images may be hazy or impossible to see.

There are three types of myopia: extreme, moderate, and mild. Those with myopia can generally see close-up relatively well but have issues seeing distant items, such as traffic signs, chalkboards at work or in the classroom, or their television.

For those who have myopia, we have multiple choices available to deal with it and help enhance your vision. At Heart of America Eye Care, we diagnose vision issues like nearsightedness and offer appropriate corrective options that can accommodate your daily routine. Contact a location in Overland Park or Shawnee Mission, KS, or Belton, MO to schedule an eye exam if you have noticed differences in your vision or are having trouble seeing far-away items.

If you are diagnosed with myopia, you have several treatment options to choose from, depending on your prescription and activity level. We most often prescribe glasses or contact lenses to create clearer vision. Others might be a candidate for laser vision correction surgery for long-term results. If you would like to have laser vision correction, we can help you determine whether you could be a good candidate.

Does myopia get worse with age?
Myopia often progresses during childhood and adolescence as the eyes grow. In many cases, it stabilizes in early adulthood. However, in some individuals, myopia can continue to worsen with age, particularly in cases of high myopia.

Can myopia lead to other eye problems?
Yes, high myopia (severe nearsightedness) increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Regular eye exams are important for monitoring myopia and maintaining overall eye health.

How can I prevent myopia from worsening?
While there is no surefire way to prevent myopia, you can help slow its progression by encouraging good eye habits. These include:

• Spending more time outdoors in natural light
• Taking frequent breaks from close-up work (like reading or screen time)
• Ensuring regular eye exams to monitor vision changes

Living with eyesight that is not as clear as it used to be can often lead to other unpleasant symptoms, for example, migraines and aching eyes. Nearsightedness is an extremely common vision impairment that, happily, is often fully treatable. Wearing corrective lenses or having refractive laser surgery could seriously enhance your day-to-day life. Get in touch with Heart of America Eye Care in Overland Park or Shawnee Mission, KS, or Belton, MO to learn more or schedule your exam.