What Happens If Myopia Is Left Untreated?

Myopia is an eye condition that is often progressive, and it usually begins in childhood. Also called nearsightedness, the disorder occurs when near vision is clear but distance vision is blurry. Children often have progressive myopia where the condition becomes worse over time. 
 

Progressive myopia often leads to other eye diseases that can lead to vision loss. It is vital to understand what happens if the condition is left untreated. 

Symptoms of Myopia

Myopia symptoms can appear at an early age. In children, they include frequent eye rubbing, persistent squinting, excessive blinking, and sitting closer to digital screens. The child may also seem unaware of distant objects and may not recognize people at a distance. 

In adults, symptoms of myopia include blurry vision, squinting, headaches, and difficulty when driving. It is vital to get a proper diagnosis for the condition to get the right treatment.

What Causes Myopia

Myopia can result from a cornea that is too curved or an elongated eye. When the lens or cornea is too curved, the light focuses in front of the retina. This is the part of the eye that senses the light. This type of myopia is not usually progressive, and doctors can correct it using conventional glasses or contacts. 

Myopia due to an elongated eye is usually progressive. The lens and cornea are correctly shaped, but the eye is too long. This means that the retina is too far from the cornea and lens. Light focuses in front of the eye retina. 

Factors That Contribute to Myopia

Genetics plays a role in myopia development, but it can also result from lifestyle and environmental factors. A child with both or one parent with myopia is likely to develop the condition. 

Other factors leading to the condition are too much screen time, spending less time outdoors, and not getting enough sunlight. Doing too much close-up work can contribute to the progression of myopia.

Untreated Myopia – What Happens?

If myopia is left untreated, it will get progressively worse. Patients with moderate myopia have a higher chance of developing eye disorders than those with mild myopia. Untreated myopia can increase the risk of developing glaucoma, cataracts, detached retina, and macular degeneration. 

Progressive myopia will get worse over time, resulting in high myopia. Patients with high myopia have a much higher chance of getting eye disorders. The secondary conditions are severe and can lead to vision loss in some patients. 

Managing Progressive Myopia

In the past, people resorted to using stronger glasses or contacts to deal with progressive myopia. Unfortunately, a stronger prescription masks the myopia symptoms without treating the condition. The best way to deal with the progression of myopia is by managing or controlling it. 
 

Myopia control is especially effective for treating children with eye conditions. The treatments can help stop or slow down the progression of myopia. Myopia control can give a child a great chance of enjoying lifelong clear vision. If you experience any symptoms of myopia, it is vital to visit an optometrist. 

For more on what happens if myopia is left untreated, visit Ocean Park Optometry at our office in ​​​​​​Santa Monica, California. You can call (310) 452-1039 today to schedule an appointment.