Can you see clearly up close but not far away? Have you found yourself squinting more often, trying to sharpen blurred vision and see objects clearly at different distances? If so, you may be experiencing extreme nearsightedness, also known as high myopia. This progression usually begins during childhood and stabilizes between the ages of 20 and 30 years old. High myopia can be connected to a higher risk of glaucoma, cataracts, myopia macular degeneration, macular holes and vessel growth beneath the retina that can cause retinal detachment. Blurred vision can simply mean a prescription change is needed or it can indicate serious eye conditions or underlying health issues. To find out the exact cause, book an appointment with The Eye Clinic Surgicenter for a comprehensive eye exam. 

Myopia has surged in recent decades, becoming a global concern affecting people of all ages. While once thought to be primarily genetic, lifestyle changes, especially increased screen time and less outdoor exposure, have fueled its rapid rise. But myopia isn’t just an inconvenience, it can lead to serious health risks. If you have extreme nearsightedness, you may be searching for solutions that go beyond prescription glasses or contact lenses, Could LASIK be the answer?

Extreme nearsightedness 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. For those struggling with severe myopia, LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) offers a life-changing resolution. This quick, minimally invasive procedure reshapes the cornea, allowing light to focus properly on the retina, effectively eliminating or drastically reducing nearsightedness. Key benefits of LASIK include a fast and permanent solution with lasting results, freedom from glasses and contacts that achieves 20/20 vision or better, and a high success rate making LASIK one of the most effective and safest vision correction procedure options for eligible candidates. 

While LASIK is an excellent option for adults, children and teens need a different approach. The goal is to slow myopia progression and reduce long-term risks. Effective strategies include atropine eye drops to slow eyeball elongation, Ortho-K lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, specialized myopia control glasses to reduce eye strain, and healthy habits like the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and spending at least 90 minutes per day outdoors. 
Ready to see clearly without glasses or contacts? Learn more about how LASIK can transform your nearsighted vision by visiting WEBSITE or calling 406-252-6608 to schedule a consultation today.