Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is often viewed as just a condition causing blurry distance vision. However, it’s essential to understand myopia as a disease of eye growth. This condition tends to develop during the teenage years, but earlier onset can lead to more significant eye growth at a rapid rate, which raises serious concerns.
Excessive eye growth stretches the delicate neural tissues of the retina, potentially leading to issues at the optic nerve head, damage to the macula—which is crucial for fine central vision—and peripheral vision complications. As myopia worsens, it increases risks of retinal detachments, macular diseases, glaucoma, and even obstructive cataracts.
The good news? At Ashburton Eyecare, we have the tools and expertise to slow down eye growth and mitigate these risks. We invite you to visit us to discuss the best options for myopia control for you or your child or teenager. For more information about myopia and its management, please visit mykidsvision.org for accessible resources.