Effective Myopia Management for All Ages at Greenacres Eye Associates

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is one of the most prevalent vision conditions in the world. Millions of children and adults experience blurry vision when trying to see objects at a distance, which can affect their education, work, and daily life. Importantly, managing myopia is crucial not just for clear vision but also for reducing the risk of developing more serious eye conditions later in life.

At Greenacres Eye Associates, we are dedicated to the effective management of myopia for patients of all ages. Under the leadership of Dr. Benjamin Bittner, OD, we offer comprehensive assessments, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support to ensure visual comfort and reduce long-term risks.

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Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the shape of the eye causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This is often because the eyeball is slightly too long or the cornea is too curved. As a result, people with myopia can see near objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry.

Common signs of myopia:

• Squinting to see distant objects clearly
• Experiencing eye strain or headaches after activities that require distance vision
• Having difficulty seeing while driving, especially at night
• For children, complaining of being unable to see the board at school

Myopia is typically diagnosed in childhood and can progress during the teenage years. Some adults may also develop myopia or find that their condition worsens due to lifestyle and genetic factors.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Myopia develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors:

• Family History: A child’s risk increases if one or both parents have myopia.
• Prolonged Near Work: Extensive time spent reading, studying, or using digital screens is linked to the progression of myopia.
• Limited Outdoor Activity: Studies suggest that children who spend more time outdoors may have a lower risk of developing myopia.
• Age of Onset: Myopia that begins at a very young age is more likely to progress to higher levels.

Understanding these risk factors allows us to design interventions that can help slow the progression of myopia.

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The Importance of Early Detection

Early detection of myopia is critical, especially in children. Children often assume their blurry vision is normal and may not report any problems. Without routine eye exams, myopia can go undetected for years, potentially affecting a child's learning, confidence, and quality of life.

At Greenacres Eye Associates, we emphasize preventive care through comprehensive eye exams. Early detection allows us to provide interventions that not only correct vision but also help control the progression of myopia.

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Myopia Control and Management Options

Managing myopia involves more than just prescribing glasses or contact lenses. While these are essential for clear vision, modern approaches focus on slowing down the progression of myopia, particularly in children and adolescents.

• Prescription Eyeglasses: Eyeglasses are the most direct way to correct myopic vision. We offer same-day glasses when possible, so patients can experience clear vision without interruption to their daily routine.
• Contact Lenses: For many, contact lenses offer greater freedom for sports and other activities. Our team specializes in fitting contact lenses that are comfortable, safe, and effective, including custom solutions for patients with high prescriptions or astigmatism.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Environmental and behavioral changes can play a role in managing myopia. Dr. Bittner may provide guidance on increasing outdoor time, limiting prolonged screen use, and taking regular breaks during near work to reduce eye strain.

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Myopia and Long-Term Eye Health

It is important to take myopia seriously. Higher levels of myopia significantly increase the risk of developing serious, sight-threatening eye conditions later in life:

• Glaucoma: A condition characterized by increased eye pressure that damages the optic nerve.
• Cataracts: A clouding of the eye's lens, which can occur at an earlier age in people with high myopia.
• Retinal Detachment: An emergency condition where the retina pulls away from its normal position, which can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.
• Myopic Macular Degeneration: Damage to the central part of the retina, which compromises sharp, detailed vision.

Regular eye exams allow us to monitor for and manage these associated risks before they cause significant harm.

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Myopia in Children and Adults

• Children: Myopia in children is a growing concern, partly due to lifestyle changes like increased screen time and less time outdoors. Early and proactive treatment is essential to slow progression and protect long-term eye health. We perform pediatric eye exams specifically designed to detect and manage childhood myopia.
• Adults: While myopia often stabilizes after adolescence, some adults may experience changes in their prescription. Adults with moderate to high myopia have a greater lifelong risk for associated eye diseases. Our comprehensive exams for adults focus on both updating prescriptions and carefully monitoring for any related conditions.

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Meet Your Eye Care Provider

At the center of our practice is Dr. Benjamin Bittner, OD and his commitment to thorough and compassionate eye care. Dr. Bittner’s approach combines precision, patient education, and practical solutions, ensuring every aspect of your vision and ocular health is considered. He works to ensure every patient feels well-informed and confident about their eye health.

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Insurance and Payment Policies

We believe that quality eye care should be accessible to everyone. Greenacres Eye Associates accepts a wide variety of insurance providers:

• Medicare
• United Healthcare
• Cigna
• Aetna
• Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Medicaid
• Tricare

Our team works with you to maximize your insurance benefits and keep any out-of-pocket costs low. We can verify your coverage before your appointment.

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Location Information

Greenacres Eye Associates
5493 10th Ave N Greenacres, FL 33463