FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Eye doctors are sounding the alarm.
The American Optometric Association says more than 40 percent of Americans are myopic, or nearsighted, and warns that number is increasing.
“We know from studies, people who are highly myopic or highly nearsighted are at a greater risk for other sight-threatening conditions later on in life,” said Dr. Michael Mendoza, an optometrist at EYE-1 Vision Care in northeast Fresno. “Things like glaucoma, retinal tears, early cataract formation.”
Myopia is an even bigger concern in the younger population.
“We find that children who are nearsighted tend to progress and get worse over time,” Mendoza said. “One of the theories for that happening is because we believe the eye is trying to capture all of the image.”
Eye doctors in Central California are looking to address that with Essilor Stellest lenses.
“These lenses, what makes them different from your standard lenses, is that they have 11 rings in the lens that have over a thousand little lenslets,” Mendoza said. “Which helps focus the light better than your standard lens.”
The lenses allow light to focus on the curve of the eye and slow the progression of myopia. Mendoza says they are a great way to manage the condition while helping kids feel confident.
“There are some people who are so nearsighted that if they don’t have their glasses on they can’t even get around the room and this is going to make it much easier,” he said.
Nearsightedness can affect a child’s ability to learn or play sports. The Stellest lenses offer a higher prescription compared to regular glasses or contacts. Mendoza adds they can help with myopia and other eye conditions.
“This opens up the door for many more kids who are both nearsighted and have astigmatism,” he said.
Doctors say it’s important to schedule yearly eye exams, especially if children show signs of myopia. An early diagnosis can help preserve vision for years to come.
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