Nearsightedness

According to a report in the Archives of Ophthalmology, incidents of Nearsightedness (Myopia) are on the United States. According to researcher Susan Vitale, PhD, MHS, and colleagues at the National Eye Institute, who compared statistics gathered in government surveys from 1971-1972 and 1999-2004, nearsightedness was much more common from 1999 to 2004 than it was 30 years ago. In fact, nearsightedness increased by nearly 42% from 1999 to 2004. Today, more than 47 million Americans aged 20 and older suffer from nearsightedness.

“This is a big issue and we are devoting millions of dollars to study the problem,” said Vitale. “We are studying the risk factors, but thankfully, this is a condition we really have good treatments for.”

Signs and Symptoms of Nearsightedness

Nearsightedness is a very common condition, currently affecting nearly 30% of the U.S. population. It typically develops early in school-age children and progresses until about the age of 20. However, nearsightedness can also develop later in life as a result of outside risk factors, especially near work: reading, more time behind computers and TV sets, and playing video games.

Signs and symptoms of nearsightedness include:

Objects in the distance appear blurred or blurry.
Eyestrain
Headaches
A person with nearsightedness can easily read the Jaeger eye chart (the chart for near reading), but has trouble reading the Snellen eye chart (the chart for distance).

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – at your earliest convenience. Any change in your vision is a serious medical condition that requires prompt medical attention.

Myopia is also associated with certain conditions, such as glaucoma and retinal detachment. All the more reason to get an eye exam regularly.

If you have any questions about our blog, “Nearsightedness (Myopia) is on the Rise in the U.S., according to Report,” or wish to schedule an appointment, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at the Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or visiting AnneArundelEyeCenter.com today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

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Nearsightedness on the rise in U.S. WebMD

It is no secret that nearsightedness (Myopia) and farsightedness (Hyperopia) are common eye conditions, affecting as much as 90% of the population to some degree. It is also no secret that many people confuse the two eye conditions. So what are the Differences between Nearsightedness & Farsightedness?

Nearsightedness: Caused by an eyeball that is too long and affecting around 33% of Americans, nearsightedness affects the way in which we see objects at a distance. Because of this, nearsightedness is often associated with problems driving, playing sports, or seeing the blackboard in school. Symptoms include: blurred vision, squinting, and fatigue. High myopia is associated with an increased risk if retinal detachment, flashers and floaters.
Farsightedness: Caused by an eyeball that is too short and affecting between 30-60% of Americans, farsightedness affects the way in which we see objects that are near. Because of this, farsightedness is often associated with difficulties reading. Symptoms include: trouble with reading, blurry vision at night, eyestrain, and headaches. Hyperopia is associated with an increased risk of narrow angle glaucoma and acute angle closure glaucoma.

Both nearsightedness and farsightedness can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery in some cases.

Comprehensive Ophthalmic Eye Exams at Anne Arundel Eye Center: Your Annapolis Eye Doctor

Led by Board Certified Ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers complete ophthalmic exams to help diagnose common (and some uncommon) eye problems, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, both of our state-of-the-art treatment centers can meet all your eye care needs.

If you are diagnosed with either nearsightedness or farsightedness, we will be happy to provide you with a referral to an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can fit you for glasses or contacts or provide Lasik services.

“I treat my patients the way I want to be treated when I see a doctor.” – Dr. Boles

To learn more about The Differences between Nearsightedness & Farsightedness, please contact Dr. Boles, consultative optometrists Dr. Nathan Frank and Dr. Corinne Casey, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Source:

Slideshow: What Eye Problems Look Like WebMD