Eye Geeks Doctors of Optometry LA

Myopia

Close-up of a child’s eye for myopia awareness.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a refractive error where you can see objects up close clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. This occurs when the eye is longer than average or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia typically develops in childhood and can progress rapidly during growth years, often stabilizing in adulthood.

Levels of Myopia

Myopia is measured in diopters (D), which indicate the strength of correction needed. The higher the diopter value, the more severe the myopia:
  • Mild Myopia: -0.25 to -3.00 D. Difficulty seeing distant objects like road signs but manageable with glasses or contacts.
  • Moderate Myopia: -3.25 to -6.00 D. Noticeable blur at a distance, often requiring full-time correction for clear vision.
  • High Myopia: -6.25 D or higher. Significant distance blur, increasing risks for eye health complications.
Child getting eye exam for myopia at Eye Geeks.

Risks of Myopia

Progressive or high myopia can lead to serious eye health issues, especially if left unmanaged:

Retinal Detachment

The elongated eye shape increases the risk of the retina pulling away from the back of the eye, potentially causing vision loss.

Glaucoma

Myopia, particularly high myopia, raises the risk of increased eye pressure, damaging the optic nerve.

Myopic Macular Degeneration

Thinning of the retina in high myopia can impair central vision, affecting tasks like reading or driving.

Cataracts

Myopic individuals may develop cataracts earlier, clouding the eye’s lens and reducing vision clarity.

Our Location

Smiling boy wearing glasses for myopia correction.

Progressive Myopia

When a Young Patient's Prescription Increases Rapidly Over Time

At Eye Geeks, we understand the challenges of myopia progression, particularly in children and young adults. Dr. Irene Diep and our team offer advanced myopia control therapies to slow or even stop the condition’s advancement. Using specialized contact lenses, eyewear, therapeutic drops, and lifestyle guidance, we create personalized plans to fit your needs and lifestyle in vibrant LA.

Myopia On The Rise

Eye Geeks myopia population icon graphic.

1 in 4 Parents

have a child with myopia
Eye Geeks myopia growth chart icon showing 20% in 1990s and 40% in 2010s.

Myopia has doubled

in the U.S. children since the 1990s.
Eye Geeks myopia icon graphic.

50% of the world's

population will be myopic by 2050

Myopia Control Treatment Options

We assess each patient’s unique needs through state-of-the-art exams to recommend the best myopia control strategy. Our geeky expertise combines innovative therapies like specialty contact lenses, ortho-keratology, therapeutic drops, and lifestyle adjustments. In some cases, we combine multiple options for optimal results, reducing eye elongation and slowing prescription changes to protect long-term vision.

Our premium eyewear from top brands in the US, Japan, and Germany can integrate myopia control features for a stylish, effective solution.

Mother and daughter smiling with MiSight contact lenses box.

MiSight® 1 Day

MiSight® 1 Day by CooperVision is an FDA-approved daily disposable soft contact lens proven to slow myopia progression. Worn during the day, these lenses alter retinal focus and increase spherical aberrations to reduce eye elongation. Ideal for active kids and teens in bustling LA – book a fitting to see if they're right for you.

Ortho-Keratology

Ortho-keratology (Ortho-K) uses custom rigid gas permeable lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. Think of them like braces for your eyes – they stabilize your prescription and slow myopia while providing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Perfect for those on-the-go in Downtown LA, and we can often provide same-day adjustments through our on-site lab.
Boy holding contact lens for myopia treatment.
Child applying eye drops for myopia control.

Atropine Drops

Low-dose Atropine eye drops are a time-tested, research-backed option for myopia control. Applied daily, they slow eye growth with minimal side effects like slight light sensitivity or near-vision changes, which we can manage with additional support like tinted lenses from our premium collection. Dr. Diep monitors progress closely for safe, effective results.

Lifestyle & Outdoor Activity

We encourage more "geek time" outdoors! Studies show kids spending 2+ hours outside daily are up to four times less likely to develop or worsen myopia. In sunny Los Angeles, swap screen time for park time in places like Echo Park or Griffith Park. This boosts visual development, hand-eye coordination, and depth perception while reducing myopia risks.

Kids running outdoors during myopia treatment awareness.

Myopia Resources

Dive deeper into myopia causes, prevention, and management with these resources. For personalized advice, contact Eye Geeks at our Downtown Los Angeles location or book online today.

American Optometric Association: Myopia Management Guide

View Resource

World Health Organization: Myopia Facts

View Resource

Parent's Guide to Myopia Control

View Resource

Let's Geek Out on Your Vision!

At Eye Geeks, we blend optometric passion with geeky expertise for top-tier eye care. Enjoy annual checkups, premium eyewear, and confident, clear vision. Serving DTLA and beyond – book your myopia consultation now.

Eye Geeks Doctors of Optometry LA: The perfect mix of optometric passion and professional expertise – with a touch of geekiness.

Eye Geeks Doctors of Optometry LA
The perfect mix of optometric passion and professional expertise – with a touch of geekiness.
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Monday
10 a.m - 6 p.m
Tuesday
10 a.m - 4 p.m
Wednesday
10 a.m - 6 p.m
Thursday
10 a.m - 4 p.m
Friday
10 a.m - 6 p.m
Saturday
10 a.m - 4 p.m
Sunday
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