Corrective lenses

Wearing corrective lenses treats nearsightedness by counteracting the increased curvature of your cornea or the increased length of your eye. Types of corrective lenses include:

• Eyeglasses. Also called spectacles, eyeglasses come in a wide variety of styles and are easy to use. Eyeglasses can correct a number of vision problems at once, such as myopia and astigmatism. Eyeglasses may be the most economical correction alternative.
• Contact lenses. A wide variety of contact lenses are available — hard, soft, extended wear, disposable, rigid gas permeable (RGP) and bifocal. Ask your eye doctor about their pros and cons and what might be best for you.

Refractive surgery

This treatment corrects nearsightedness by reshaping the curvature of your cornea. Refractive surgery methods include:

• Laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). LASIK is a procedure in which an ophthalmologist uses an instrument called a keratome or a special laser called a femtosecond laser to make a thin, circular hinged cut into your cornea. Your eye surgeon then uses a different type of laser, called an excimer laser, to remove layers from the center of your cornea to flatten its domed shape.
• Laser-assisted subepithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). Instead of creating a flap in the cornea, the surgeon creates a flap only in the cornea's thin protective cover (epithelium). Your surgeon will use an excimer laser to reshape the cornea's outer layers and flatten its curvature and then reposition the epithelial flap. To encourage healing, a bandage contact lens is worn for several days after this procedure.
• Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). This procedure is similar to LASEK, except the surgeon removes the epithelium. It will grow back naturally, conforming to your cornea's new shape. Like LASEK, PRK requires the use of a bandage contact lens following the procedure.
• Anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implant. These lenses are surgically implanted into the eye, in front of the eye's natural lens. They may be an option for people with moderate to severe myopia, although their use is controversial and they aren't widely used.

All eye surgeries have some degree of risk, and possible complications from these eye procedures include infection, corneal scarring, vision loss and visual aberrations, such as seeing halos around lights at night. Discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

Prevention

Although you can't prevent nearsightedness, you can help protect your eyes and your vision. Follow these steps:

• Have your eyes checked. Regardless of how well you see, have your eyes checked regularly for problems.
• Control chronic health conditions. Certain conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can affect your vision if you don't receive proper treatment.
• Recognize symptoms. Sudden loss of vision in one eye, sudden hazy or blurred vision, flashes of light, black spots, or halos or rainbows around lights may signal a serious eye problem, such as retinal tear or detachment, requiring urgent medical attention. Similar symptoms can be caused by other serious medical problems, such as acute glaucoma or a stroke. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is especially important if you spend long hours in the sun or are taking a prescription medication that increases your sensitivity to UV radiation.
• Eat healthy foods. Maintain a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, which have shown to enhance eye health. Try foods that contain vitamin A and beta carotene, such as carrots, yams and cantaloupe.
• Don't smoke. Just as smoking isn't good for the rest of your body, it can affect your eye health as well.
• Use the right glasses. The right glasses optimize your vision. Having regular exams will ensure that your eyeglass prescription is correct.
• Use good lighting. Use adequate light for optimal vision.