Myopia (Nearsightedness) Treatment in Chicago, IL
Myopia — commonly known as nearsightedness — is the most common vision problem in the world, and its prevalence is rising at an alarming rate, especially in children. At Ideal Family Eye Care, we offer comprehensive myopia diagnosis, corrective lens prescriptions, and advanced myopia control treatments to help patients of all ages see clearly and protect their long-term eye health.
request an appointmentWhat Is Myopia (Nearsightedness)?
Myopia is a refractive error in which distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too long relative to the focusing power of the cornea and lens, or when the cornea or lens has too much curvature — causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia typically develops in childhood when the eyes are still growing and often worsens progressively through the teenage years before stabilizing in the mid-to-late 20s.
Approximately one-third of adult Americans are myopic, and the number is growing — driven largely by increased near-work activities, excessive screen time, and reduced time spent outdoors. For children especially, uncorrected and uncontrolled myopia carries significant long-term risks. Higher degrees of myopia increase the risk of developing serious conditions later in life including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
Symptoms of Myopia
Common signs of myopia include difficulty seeing objects clearly at a distance (such as the board at school, road signs, or faces across a room), squinting to try to see more clearly, frequent headaches from eye strain, difficulty driving especially at night, and needing to sit close to the TV or screen. In children, signs may also include holding books very close, poor performance in activities that require distance vision, and frequent eye rubbing. A comprehensive eye exam at Ideal Family Eye Care is the definitive way to diagnose myopia and determine the correct prescription.
Myopia Treatment Options at Ideal Family Eye Care
At Ideal Family Eye Care, we offer a full range of myopia correction and control solutions tailored to your age, lifestyle, and the severity of your prescription:
- Prescription eyeglasses: The simplest and most widely used correction for myopia. Our optical collection includes the latest digital lens technology and an extensive selection of designer frames.
- Contact lenses: Soft, rigid, or silicone hydrogel lenses provide excellent vision correction for myopic patients. Visit our glasses and contact lenses page to learn more.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Custom overnight lenses that reshape the cornea for clear daytime vision — no glasses or contacts required. Ortho-K is also our most effective myopia control solution for children.
- LASIK consultation: For adult patients who want a permanent correction option, we provide comprehensive LASIK evaluations and co-manage all pre- and post-operative care.
To schedule your myopia evaluation or child’s myopia control consultation at Ideal Family Eye Care in Chicago, IL , call us at (773) 774-2200 or book online today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Myopia (Nearsightedness)
What is myopia and what causes it?
Myopia is a refractive error causing blurry distance vision. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea too curved, causing light to focus in front of rather than on the retina. It is largely genetic but is increasingly influenced by prolonged near-work activities and limited outdoor time.
Can myopia get worse over time?
Yes. Myopia typically progresses throughout childhood and adolescence, often stabilizing in the mid-to-late 20s. In children, rapidly worsening myopia is a particular concern because higher degrees of myopia increase the lifetime risk of serious conditions like retinal detachment and glaucoma. Ideal Family Eye Care offers specialized myopia control treatments to slow progression in children.
What are the best treatment options for myopia?
Treatment options include prescription glasses, soft or rigid contact lenses, Ortho-K overnight lenses for glasses-free daytime vision and myopia control, and LASIK surgery for adults seeking a permanent solution. Our providers at Ideal Family Eye Care will recommend the best option based on your age, prescription, and lifestyle.
Is myopia more dangerous in children than adults?
Yes. Myopia that progresses rapidly in childhood leads to higher final prescription levels, which significantly increase the lifetime risk of serious eye conditions including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. This is why active myopia control during childhood is so important.
Can myopia be prevented?
While myopia cannot always be prevented, its development and progression can be influenced by lifestyle factors. Encouraging children to spend time outdoors in natural light, limiting extended near-work and screen time, and beginning myopia control treatment early can all help reduce how severe myopia becomes.
What is the difference between myopia and astigmatism?
Myopia causes blurry distance vision and is caused by the overall length of the eye or curvature of the cornea. Astigmatism causes blurry vision at all distances due to irregular corneal shape. The two conditions commonly occur together and can be corrected with the same glasses or contact lens prescription.
How do I schedule a myopia evaluation at Ideal Family Eye Care?
Call Ideal Family Eye Care at (773) 774-2200 or book an appointment online. Whether you need an updated prescription or want to discuss myopia control options for your child, our team is ready to help.