{"id":81421,"date":"2024-02-28T05:37:34","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T13:37:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/?p=81421"},"modified":"2026-10-19T09:21:40","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T17:21:40","slug":"navigating-the-myopic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/navigating-the-myopic\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Myopia? A Guide to Nearsightedness and Its Causes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-81485\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/myopia_1.jpg\" alt=\"Navigating the Myopic Maze: A Clearer Vision with Zenni\" width=\"916\" height=\"500\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a world dominated by screens and digital devices, the prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise. As more people struggle to see distant objects, it\u2019s crucial to understand what myopia is and explore effective solutions. Let\u2019s explore the basics of myopia and how <\/span><a href=\"\/b\/top-rated-glasses\" aria-label=\"Visit Zenni\u2019s eyewear Page\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zenni\u2019s eyewear<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help those affected see more clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Understanding Myopia: The Basics of Nearsightedness<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myopia is a common refractive error in which people can see close objects clearly, while distant objects appear blurred. The condition occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops during childhood and adolescence, but it can progress over time and affect people of all ages.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/p\/kids-mixed-browline-eyeglass-frames\/19131\/1913118\" aria-label=\"Visit kids mixed browline eyeglass frames 19131 1913118 page\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-81486 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/myopia_2.jpg\" alt=\"Navigating the Myopic Maze: A Clearer Vision with Zenni\" width=\"916\" height=\"500\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/p\/kids-mixed-browline-eyeglass-frames\/19131\/1913118\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Visit Shop these frames Page (opens in new tab)\"><strong>Shop these frames<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Factors Contributing to Myopia:<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several factors contribute to the development and progression of myopia. Genetics play a significant role, with a higher likelihood of myopia if one or both parents are nearsighted. Environmental factors, such as prolonged near work (reading, computer use, etc.) and limited outdoor activity, can also influence the onset and progression of myopia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myopia often first appears during childhood, commonly between ages 8 and 12, and can progress relatively quickly during the teenage years as the body continues to grow. This is one reason parents are often encouraged to schedule regular eye exams for school-age children, even before any symptoms are obvious.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Symptoms of Myopia and When to See an Eye Doctor<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common signs of myopia include eyestrain, headaches, squinting, difficulty seeing objects far away, such as road signs or a classroom board, and trouble seeing clearly at night. These symptoms often become more noticeable in children ages 8 to 12. However, myopia can be diagnosed at any age, and adults can develop new or worsening myopia as well.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An eye doctor can diagnose myopia during a comprehensive eye exam. Along with a standard vision test, doctors may use a retinoscope, which shines light into the eye to see how it reflects off the retina, or a phoropter, which measures refractive error and helps determine the right prescription. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch myopia early and keep a prescription current as it changes over time.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Types and Severity of Myopia: Mild, Moderate, and High<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myopia is measured in diopters, a unit that describes the strength of lens correction needed, and is generally grouped into three levels of severity:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Mild myopia:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Roughly -0.50 to -3.00 diopters, the most common level of nearsightedness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Moderate myopia:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Roughly -3.00 to -6.00 diopters, where distance vision is more significantly affected.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>High myopia:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Greater than -6.00 diopters, which carries a higher risk of eye health complications and often requires closer monitoring.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because high myopia usually stabilizes between ages 20 and 30, tracking prescription changes with regular eye exams is especially important during childhood and the teenage years, when myopia tends to progress fastest.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>The Impact of Myopia:<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myopia affects visual clarity and can also lead to various eye health issues if left uncorrected. People with myopia may experience eye strain, headaches, and squinting, especially when trying to see distant objects. Moreover, high myopia increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. In more severe cases, high myopia can also lead to myopic maculopathy, a condition affecting the macula that can threaten central vision, which is one reason eye doctors recommend closer monitoring for anyone with a high degree of nearsightedness.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These risks are part of why eye doctors emphasize correcting myopia rather than leaving it unaddressed, even when the blur feels manageable day to day. Wearing an accurate, up-to-date prescription helps reduce eyestrain and the squinting that can accompany uncorrected distance vision. At the same time, regular checkups give your eye doctor the chance to monitor your eye health over time, not just update your lens power.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How Common Is Myopia? A Growing Global Concern<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myopia has become increasingly common worldwide, in part due to more time spent on screens and other near activities. In the United States, myopia\u2019s prevalence has climbed from roughly 25% of the population in 1983 to nearly 50% in 2017. The rise is even more pronounced in parts of East Asia, where studies estimate that myopia now affects 80% to 90% of young adults in some urban areas, a trend researchers often describe as a myopia epidemic. The World Health Organization has projected that by 2030, nearly 40% of the world\u2019s population could be nearsighted.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Children in urban areas tend to show higher rates of myopia than those in rural settings, which researchers largely attribute to more time spent on near work indoors and less time spent outdoors. This pattern has fueled growing interest in myopia control, an approach aimed at slowing myopia progression in children rather than only correcting it once it appears.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Tips to Help Manage Myopia Risk<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While myopia can\u2019t always be prevented, especially when genetics are involved, a few everyday habits may help support healthy vision and slow its progression in children:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Comprehensive eye exams help catch myopia early and keep prescriptions current as vision changes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reduce Screen Time: Regular breaks from prolonged screen use can help reduce eye strain from near work.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increase Outdoor Activities: Research suggests a potential link between more time spent outdoors and reduced myopia progression in children.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Follow Your Doctor\u2019s Guidance: For children with progressing myopia, an eye doctor can help determine whether options like ortho-k, multifocal contact lenses, or atropine drops are worth considering.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Treatment and Correction Options for Myopia<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There\u2019s no single best way to correct myopia. The right option depends on your age, lifestyle, and how your eyes respond, so it\u2019s worth discussing your options with your eye doctor. Common approaches include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eyeglasses and Contact Lenses: The most common and straightforward way to correct myopia, adjusting how light enters the eye so distant objects come into focus. Zenni offers <\/span><a href=\"\/b\/top-rated-glasses\" aria-label=\"Visit prescription glasses Page\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">prescription glasses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for myopia, and contact lens wearers can also shop <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nextdaycontacts.com\" aria-label=\"Visit Next Day Contacts Page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next Day Contacts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a Zenni-affiliated retailer.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Refractive Surgery: Procedures like LASIK reshape the cornea with a laser to correct how light travels through the eye. This is typically considered for adults once their prescription has stabilized.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): A treatment using rigid contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily, most often used for children in myopia control programs, such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eyecare.berkeley.edu\/what-we-do-2\/speciality-clinics\/myopia\/\" aria-label=\"Visit Myopia Clinic at UC Berkeley Page\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myopia Clinic at UC Berkeley<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which was pioneered in part by Dr. Maria Liu\u2019s early work in the field.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low-Dose Atropine: Eye drops used at bedtime that can help slow myopia progression in children and adolescents, typically used alongside glasses or contacts rather than as a standalone correction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During myopia control treatment, a child\u2019s glasses prescription may change gradually. With ortho-k lenses specifically, the cornea gradually returns to its original shape as the day progresses, causing residual myopia, or a temporary return of nearsightedness, by evening\u2014Zenni Optical steps in by offering cost-effective prescription eyewear that can complement this process. Parents can work with their myopia control doctors to obtain prescription glasses that are slightly underpowered, so children can still see clearly at night even as the orthokeratology lens effects wear off.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/p\/girls-plastic-rectangle-eyeglass-frames\/20109\/2010916\" aria-label=\"Visit girls plastic rectangle eyeglass frames 20109 2010916 page\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-81487 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/myopia_3.jpg\" alt=\"Navigating the Myopic Maze: A Clearer Vision with Zenni\" width=\"916\" height=\"500\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/p\/girls-plastic-rectangle-eyeglass-frames\/20109\/2010916\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Visit Shop these frames Page (opens in new tab)\"><strong>Shop these frames<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>Zenni\u2019s Solution for Myopia:<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zenni recognizes the challenges of myopia and offers a range of eyewear solutions to address them. Our collection includes prescription glasses designed to provide clear and comfortable vision for individuals with myopia. From stylish frames to specialized lenses, Zenni combines fashion and function, ensuring you not only see well but also look great.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re picking out a first pair of glasses for a newly diagnosed child or updating a long-standing prescription, Zenni\u2019s online tools make it easy to enter your prescription, choose a frame that fits your face and lifestyle, and add the lens features that matter most to you, all without leaving home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Zenni\u2019s Features:<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescription Lenses: Zenni\u2019s prescription lenses are crafted with precision to meet the specific needs of individuals with myopia, providing accurate vision correction for clearer sight.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-Reflective Coating: Our anti-reflective coating minimizes glare and reflections, reducing eyestrain and discomfort often experienced by those with myopia, especially during nighttime driving or screen use.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blue Light Protection: Zenni\u2019s lenses with blue light protection help reduce <\/span><a href=\"\/blokz-blue-light-glasses\" aria-label=\"Visit digital eye strain Page\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">digital eye strain<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from extended screen time, a common concern for people with myopia who spend long hours on computers or other devices.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fashionable Frames: Zenni understands that eyewear is not just a vision correction tool; it\u2019s a fashion statement. Our diverse collection of stylish frames lets people with myopia express their personality while enjoying clear, comfortable vision.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Myopia may be common, but with Zenni\u2019s commitment to innovative, stylish eyewear, navigating the myopic maze has never been easier. Take control of your vision and explore Zenni\u2019s collection to find <\/span><a href=\"\/b\/all-glasses\" aria-label=\"Visit eyewear Page\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">eyewear<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that not only corrects your vision but also complements your unique style. <\/span><a href=\"\/b\/new-arrivals\" aria-label=\"Visit Shop new arrivals Page\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shop new arrivals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and see the world more clearly with Zenni, where fashion meets functionality.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"\/b\/new-arrivals\" aria-label=\"Visit new arrivals page\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-76510 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/231215_Blog_banner_shop_all.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1950\" height=\"250\"><\/a><\/p>\n<h2>FAQs<\/h2>\n\n<div class=\"lightweight-accordion wp-block-lightweight-accordion-lightweight-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"lightweight-accordion-title\"><span><strong>What is myopia?<\/strong><\/span><\/summary><div class=\"lightweight-accordion-body\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a refractive error where close objects appear clear but distant objects look blurry, caused by light focusing in front of the retina instead of directly on it.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lightweight-accordion wp-block-lightweight-accordion-lightweight-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"lightweight-accordion-title\"><span><strong>What causes myopia to get worse?<\/strong><\/span><\/summary><div class=\"lightweight-accordion-body\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Genetics play a role, but prolonged near work and limited outdoor time during childhood are also linked to faster myopia progression.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lightweight-accordion wp-block-lightweight-accordion-lightweight-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"lightweight-accordion-title\"><span><strong>How do I know if I have mild, moderate, or high myopia?<\/strong><\/span><\/summary><div class=\"lightweight-accordion-body\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your eye doctor can tell you your exact prescription in diopters during a comprehensive eye exam, then classify it as mild, moderate, or high based on that number.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lightweight-accordion wp-block-lightweight-accordion-lightweight-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"lightweight-accordion-title\"><span><strong>Can myopia be cured?<\/strong><\/span><\/summary><div class=\"lightweight-accordion-body\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Myopia can\u2019t be cured, but you can correct it with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, and you can sometimes slow its progression with treatments like ortho-k or low-dose atropine in children.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lightweight-accordion wp-block-lightweight-accordion-lightweight-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"lightweight-accordion-title\"><span><strong>Is high myopia dangerous?<\/strong><\/span><\/summary><div class=\"lightweight-accordion-body\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">High myopia increases the risk of complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy, which is why regular eye exams matter more as prescription strength increases.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"lightweight-accordion wp-block-lightweight-accordion-lightweight-accordion\"><details><summary class=\"lightweight-accordion-title\"><span><strong>Is myopia becoming more common?<\/strong><\/span><\/summary><div class=\"lightweight-accordion-body\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Rates have risen significantly worldwide over the past several decades, with especially high prevalence among children and young adults in urban areas and across East Asia.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":102,"featured_media":81484,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[149,157,176],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-81421","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-eye-health","category-billboard","category-lenses"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81421","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/102"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81421"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81421\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":98253,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81421\/revisions\/98253"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81484"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81421"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81421"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ca.zennioptical.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81421"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}