Nearsighted (Myopia)

Nearsightedness, technically known as myopia, is a condition that causes difficulty focusing on objects at a distance, while near vision remains normal. Myopia is one of the most common vision problems worldwide and it is on the rise.

People with myopia are usually able to see well up close but have difficulty seeing objects at a distance. Due to the fact that they may be straining or squinting to see into the distance, they may develop headaches, eye fatigue, or eye strain.

Myopia Signs and Symptoms

Myopia Causes

Myopia is a refractive error caused by an irregular-shaped cornea that affects the way light is focused on the retina. For clear vision, light should come to a focus point directly onto the retina. In myopia, the cornea is longer than usual, resulting in a focus point that falls in front of the retina, causing distant objects to appear blurry, while close objects can be seen normally.

Myopia typically has a genetic component as it often appears in multiple members of a family and it usually begins to show signs during childhood, often getting progressively worse until stabilizing around age 20. There may also be environmental factors that contribute to myopia such as work that requires focusing on close objects for an extended period of time and spending too much time indoors.

Diagnosis of Myopia

Myopia is diagnosed by an eye examination with a qualified optometrist. During the exam, the optometrist will determine the visual acuity of the eye to prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses. A prescription for myopia will be a negative number such as -1.75.

Treatment for Myopia

Myopia is typically treated with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses and in certain cases, refractive surgery such as LASIK or PRK is an option. Surgery is the riskiest treatment as it requires permanently changing the shape of the cornea. Other treatments involve implanting a lens that reshapes the cornea called a phakic intra-ocular lens or vision therapy. A treatment called Ortho-k, in which the patient wears corneal reshaping contact lenses at night to see without correction during the day can be another option.

While some people require vision correction throughout the day, others may only need it only during certain tasks such as driving, watching television, or viewing a whiteboard in school. The type of treatment depends on the overall health of your eye, and your eye and vision need.

Seeing in Style

Are you looking for the latest Oakley and Ray-Ban frames? We have them. Or perhaps you are yearnings for something more upscale, like D&G or Prada? We have them too. 

Our Creekside, West Springs, and Crowfoot stores carry frames at every price point and for every purpose. Standard prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses, sports glasses, transition lenses, eyewear for kids… we have designer brands for all!

Myopia Management For Children

Myopia management or myopia control is an important strategy to consider when a child is at risk for near-sighted progression. Reducing the rate of myopia acceleration helps lower the risk of sight-threatening complications later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy.

Risk factors of myopia progression include a younger age of onset, parents with myopia, and ethnicity, with a higher incidence among Asian populations, more time spent on near-work activities, and less time spent outdoors. 

Your eye doctor will discuss what treatment management may be right for your child and their daily activities.

Treatment Options

MiYOSMART Lenses - an innovative lens for eyeglasses that corrects near-sightedness while slowing myopia progression with technology called D.I.M.S. (Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments).  This lens provides clear vision and myopic defocus simultaneously which helps to slow axial elongation and slow progression.

MiSight 1 Day Contact Lenses -  a daily disposable contact lens that has been clinically proven to slow down the progression of myopia when initially prescribed for children between the ages of 8-12.  There are two treatment zones within the contact lenses that create myopic defocus to help slow axial elongation and two correction zones that allow good clarity and vision in all gazes. 

Atropine Drops - low dose eye drops used daily are shown to help slow myopia progression 

Orthokeratology - these are a rigid gas permeable contact lens worn overnight and removed during the day.  They help flatten the curvature of the cornea and induce myopic defocus which helps slow axial elongation and myopia progression.

Our Eye Treatments

Outstanding vision care across Calgary

Outstanding vision care across Calgary

Blink Eyewear is the largest provider of vision services and care in Calgary, operating no fewer than 3 accessible locations across the region. All of our stores are inventoried with the most sought-after designer and commercial frames and eyewear for all occasions and purposes. 

Home to experienced optometrists and opticians, our stores also offer comprehensive eye exams to individuals of all ages, emergency eye care, and the treatment and management of eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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Blink Eyewear boasts the largest collection of eyewear in Calgary, but our 3 locations are also home to the region’s finest optometrists. Just as you will not find a better store to shop for your eyewear, you will not find a better vision clinic to do your eye exam or treat your eye condition. 

Go ahead and Blink; what you see is really what you get. Call one of our store numbers or fill out the form below to book an appointment.

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