Nearsightedness (Myopia): When To Call A Doctor

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When To Call a Doctor

If you have a sudden change, loss, or disturbance in your vision or you have pain in your eye or yellow or greenish discharge from your eye, see the topic Eye Problems, Noninjury to evaluate your symptoms. You may need immediate care.

Whether you are nearsighted (myopic) or not, doctors recommend having routine eye exams throughout life (see Early Detection in the Exams and Tests section of this topic). In addition to these routine exams, call your doctor if:

• Your child or teenager has symptoms of nearsightedness or any complaints of unclear vision.
• Existing nearsightedness in an adult suddenly becomes worse.
• You have a change in your ability to tolerate your contact lenses (for example, you can no longer wear them for the usual periods of time).
• You see flashes of light, floaters, change in your side vision, or dimming of your vision (these may mean you have retinal detachment).

Watchful Waiting

Watchful waiting is not appropriate if you think that you or your child is developing nearsightedness. Although treatment cannot change its course, it is important to detect nearsightedness as soon as possible.

Identifying and treating nearsightedness early may prevent children from having trouble in school and in social settings. If you think that you or your child is nearsighted, see an eye care specialist.

Who To See

Eye care specialists who can diagnose eye problems and prescribe corrective lenses include:

• Ophthalmologists.
• Optometrists.

Health professionals who can perform screening exams to detect vision problems and refer you to an eye care specialist include:

• Pediatricians.
• Family medicine physicians.
• Internists.
• Nurse practitioners.
• Physician assistants.

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

Last updated:	July 07, 2007
Author:	Robin Parks, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Carol L. Karp, MD - Ophthalmology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC