The Risks of Untreated Myopia: It’s More Than Just Glasses

Myopia is one of the most common vision conditions affecting both children and adults. It occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing distant objects to appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. Although glasses or contact lenses can correct blurry vision, untreated or unmanaged myopia can lead to serious long-term eye health issues.

Understanding How Myopia Progresses

In many cases, myopia develops during childhood and can worsen as the eyes continue to grow. Each increase in nearsightedness means the eye is elongating further, which places added stress on its delicate internal structures. This progression doesn’t just change how you see - it can permanently alter the eye’s anatomy and increase the risk of eye disease later in life.

The Hidden Dangers of Untreated Myopia

Many people think of myopia as a simple refractive error that just requires stronger glasses over time. However, moderate to high myopia significantly raises the likelihood of developing sight-threatening conditions, including:

• Retinal detachment: Excessive eye elongation can stretch and thin the retina, making it more likely to tear or detach.

• Glaucoma: People with myopia are at greater risk of developing glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause permanent vision loss.

• Cataracts: Myopia increases the risk of early-onset cataracts, clouding the natural lens of the eye.

• Myopic macular degeneration: The retina’s central area (macula) can deteriorate over time, leading to irreversible central vision loss.

Without proper management, myopia can progress rapidly during childhood, setting the stage for more serious complications in adulthood.

The Role of Myopia Management

At EyeScript Vision Care, we focus on proactive myopia management rather than simply correcting vision with stronger prescriptions. Modern treatments are designed to slow the progression of myopia, protecting long-term eye health and reducing the risk of future vision-threatening conditions.

Some of the most effective myopia management options include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses: Special overnight contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea while slowing eye growth.

• MiSight® 1 day contact lenses: FDA-approved lenses proven to slow myopia progression in children.

• Atropine eye drops: Low-dose drops used to reduce the rate of eye elongation.

• Lifestyle guidance: Encouraging more outdoor time and limiting excessive near work can also help slow myopia’s progression.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Myopia is more than just the need for stronger glasses - it’s a progressive condition that can have serious long-term consequences if left unmanaged. With early detection and modern myopia control treatments, it’s possible to preserve healthy vision and reduce future risks.

If your child has myopia, don’t wait for it to worsen. Schedule a myopia management consultation at EyeScript Vision Care to learn how we can help protect their vision for years to come. Visit our office in Spring, Texas, or call (346) 460-4900 today.