Age-Related Changes to Your Vision From Myopia in Melbourne

As you get older, it’s common to experience changes in your vision. This can be the result of eye diseases, the formation of cataracts or the progression of eye conditions such as myopia, also known as short-sighted vision. NewVision Clinics in Melbourne provides myopia treatment options for a range of circumstances including age-related changes in vision. In this article, we explore the link between myopia and aging. Contact our team if you have any questions about the conditions and treatments discussed below.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, or short-sightedness, is characterised by difficulty focusing on objects that are far away. The condition is associated with an eyeball that is excessively elongated or a cornea with too much curvature. Those who have been diagnosed with and received a prescription for myopia can sometimes find that distant objects become blurrier over time as your eye continues to change.

What Causes Myopia to Worsen?

There are a number of factors that contribute to worsening myopia. The most significant is genetics, that is, one or both of your parents have myopia. Certain activities, such as frequently engaging in close-up work, reading in poor light or using electronic devices can strain your eyes and contribute to progressing myopia.

A lack of outdoor time is also linked to worsening myopia. Some studies indicate that exposure to natural light and spending time outside in an environment with lots of distant objects can slow down the progression of myopia.

Aging and Short-Sighted Vision

Myopia is most commonly diagnosed between ages 8 and 12. Myopia will typically progress with changes in prescription slowing down once you reach adulthood. It’s rare for myopia to continue worsening past your early 20s but there are exceptions. Continuous elongation of the eye or visual stress from close-up work can contribute to worsening short-sightedness.

Myopia Treatments

In many cases, you cannot cure the age-related progression of myopia. There are, however, numerous treatment options available to help manage or correct the condition. This includes traditional treatments like glasses and contact lenses, as well as laser eye surgery such as LASIK and PRK. These latter procedures use precise lasers to correct the shape of your cornea so light refracts properly onto your retina.

Enquire About Myopia Treatment in Melbourne Today

Speak with the expert team at NewVision Clinics in Melbourne to see whether laser eye surgery is a suitable option to help correct your age-related myopia. Contact us today to book your free consultation.