Nearsightedness: Myopia Management

Man holding eyeglasses close to his face, demonstrating clear vision correction for myopia and nearsightedness management.

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness in Brainerd Rd Chattanooga TN, Cleveland TN, and Shallowford Rd Chattanooga TN, is a refractive error where close-up objects appear clear, but distant objects look blurry. This condition occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The result is a loss of sharpness when viewing faraway objects, such as road signs, classroom whiteboards, or television screens.

Myopia is increasingly common, particularly among school-aged children and adolescents. As the eyes develop and grow, especially during childhood, the elongation of the eye often leads to worsening nearsightedness over time. That’s why regular eye exams are essential for early detection, proper diagnosis, and timely intervention.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia typically develops during childhood or adolescence as the eye undergoes growth. When the eye becomes too elongated, or the cornea is too curved, light does not properly focus on the retina. Genetics plays a strong role—children with one or both nearsighted parents are more likely to develop myopia themselves. Environmental and lifestyle factors, such as extended screen time, poor lighting, and prolonged near work, may also contribute to the condition.

In most individuals, myopia tends to stabilize between the ages of 20 and 40. However, regular monitoring is necessary to ensure appropriate vision correction and to detect any related eye health complications.

How Nearsightedness Is Diagnosed

A comprehensive eye exam is the most effective way to diagnose myopia. At Eyear Optical, we use advanced diagnostic tools and proven testing methods to accurately assess vision and determine the right prescription.

What to Expect During a Myopia Evaluation:

Health and Vision History
Your optometrist will review your general health, family history of eye problems, and any current vision concerns. They’ll ask about symptoms such as blurry distance vision or frequent headaches.

Visual Acuity Test
Using a Snellen chart, you'll be asked to read a series of letters from a set distance. Each eye is tested individually to assess how clearly you can see.

Refraction Testing
A phoropter is used to determine the ideal lens prescription. You'll compare various lens options to identify which provides the clearest vision.

Retinoscopy
This technique involves shining a light into the eyes to observe how it reflects off the retina. It is especially helpful when examining young children or patients who struggle to articulate their symptoms.

Autorefractor Measurements
Autorefractors and aberrometers provide automated readings of how light bends as it enters the eye, offering a baseline that can be refined during the exam.

Eye Health Examination
Using a slit lamp and other diagnostic equipment, your provider will examine the internal and external structures of your eye to rule out any underlying conditions.

Dilated Eye Exam
Dilating drops are used to widen the pupils, giving your doctor a better view of the retina, optic nerve, and overall eye health.

Additional Testing
In some cases, tests such as keratometry or corneal topography are used to measure the curvature of the cornea and ensure proper contact lens fitting.

Recognizing Myopia in Children

Children may not always verbalize vision issues, but certain behaviors can indicate they are struggling to see clearly. Parents and teachers should be alert for signs such as:

Squinting to see distant objects
Holding screens or books very close to the face
Frequently rubbing their eyes
Complaining of headaches or eye fatigue
Sitting close to the TV or front of the classroom
Seeming unaware of distant people or objects

If your child exhibits these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye exam with a qualified optometrist for early diagnosis and intervention.

Why Managing Myopia Progression Matters

Left unaddressed, myopia can worsen over time—sometimes progressing by half a diopter or more each year. Severe myopia (also called high myopia) increases the risk of serious eye conditions such as:

Retinal detachment
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Macular degeneration

For this reason, slowing the progression of myopia is just as important as correcting current vision problems. Early management helps reduce long-term complications and the need for stronger prescriptions later in life.

Myopia Control Options: Slowing the Progression of Nearsightedness

We offer evidence-based treatments that not only correct vision but also help control the progression of myopia—especially in children and teens.

Multifocal Contact Lenses
These specially designed lenses contain different optical zones for distance and near vision. By managing how light is focused across the retina, multifocal lenses help reduce the eye's tendency to elongate. They are effective, comfortable, and ideal for active children who want an alternative to glasses.
Orthokeratology (Ortho-K)
Ortho-K involves wearing custom rigid contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, providing clear daytime vision without the need for glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has been shown to significantly reduce myopia progression in many patients.
Multifocal Eyeglasses
Similar to multifocal contacts, these glasses contain multiple prescriptions in a single lens. They reduce strain on the eye when focusing up close, which may help slow axial elongation in growing eyes. They are a convenient option for young patients who may not yet be ready for contact lenses.
Peripheral Defocus Lenses
These lenses alter the way light reaches the peripheral retina, addressing a factor believed to drive eye growth. By changing the peripheral focus, these lenses help guide the eye's growth in a healthier direction and reduce the advancement of myopia.
Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops
Used nightly, low-concentration atropine drops have been clinically proven to slow the progression of myopia. While they don’t correct vision directly, they are often used alongside other treatments such as glasses or Ortho-K lenses.
Combination Therapy
In some cases, combining treatments provides the best results. For example, a child may wear multifocal contact lenses during the day and use atropine drops at night. This multi-pronged approach addresses several contributing factors simultaneously.

Take Control of Your Vision with Personalized Myopia Management

Managing nearsightedness today can protect your long-term vision health and reduce the risk of serious complications in the future. Whether you or your child is just beginning to show signs of myopia or has been wearing corrective lenses for years, it’s never too early—or too late—to explore your options.

At Eyear Optical, we provide customized myopia control plans based on your vision, lifestyle, and goals. From advanced diagnostics to ongoing care, our team is committed to helping patients achieve and maintain clearer, healthier vision for life.

Contact us today to schedule a comprehensive myopia evaluation in Brainerd Rd Chattanooga TN, Cleveland TN, and Shallowford Rd Chattanooga TN. Let us help you see clearly—now and for years to come.