Nearsightedness (Myopia) in The Villages, FL

What is myopia?

Myopia is a refractive error. The eye is slightly too long, or the front surface is too curved. Light then focuses in front of the retina instead of on it, so distance sight blurs.

The word nearsighted means you see near things well. Most people with myopia find that glasses or contacts make far-away sight clear again. Then driving, golf and TV become easier.

Common symptoms

You may have blurry road signs, TV or faces across a room. Squinting to see far away is common. Eye strain, headaches and trouble driving at night can also happen. In older adults, sight changes can come from other eye problems, so a full exam is worth it.

Call right away if this happens. Sudden flashes of light, a shower of new floaters, a curtain over your vision, sudden vision loss or a chemical in the eye: call (352) 399-5412 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room.

Who is at risk?

Myopia often starts in childhood, and a family history raises the chance. Adults can notice it too. Because it can change over time, your prescription may need updates.

What a nearsightedness visit looks like

If you come in for Nearsightedness (Myopia) in The Villages, first you read letters on a chart. Then comes the refraction. During it, you compare lenses to find the clearest view, and you simply say which looks better. Dr. Russell also checks your eye health, so the visit does more than update a prescription.

Bring your current glasses or contact lenses, because we compare them with the new numbers.

Questions to ask your eye doctor

For example, ask whether your prescription changed since last time. You can also ask which lens style suits your day, such as driving, golf or reading. If you want contacts, ask about a contact lens exam, because it checks fit and eye health. In addition, ask how often to return.

Everyday tips

If night driving feels harder, tell us. Anti-glare coatings may help, and an updated prescription often helps too. Also, keep a spare pair of glasses in the car or the golf cart. Then a lost or broken pair will not stop your day.

Glasses, contacts and the same-day lab

After your exam, you get your prescription. You may take it anywhere, because it is yours. If you stay with us, our opticians help you choose frames from thousands in stock. Then our on-site lab can make many glasses in about an hour. For contact lenses, we also offer fittings and same-day fills with a valid prescription. For nearsightedness in The Villages, that means you can often leave with clear sight in one trip.

Treatment options

Glasses and contact lenses are the usual choices. Some adults consider laser vision surgery, which an ophthalmologist or refractive surgeon performs after a screening.

Help With Nearsightedness (Myopia) in The Villages

Our care for Nearsightedness (Myopia) in The Villages begins with a full exam. Dr. Russell measures your prescription and checks the health of your eyes. Our opticians help with frames and lens choices, and our on-site lab can make many glasses in about an hour. You get your prescription, and you are free to buy glasses or contacts anywhere. If you are curious about laser surgery, we refer you to a trusted surgeon and co-manage your care.

Request an appointment or call (352) 399-5412.

Our office is at 2478 Burnsed Blvd. We are open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We welcome patients from The Villages, Lady Lake, Oxford, Summerfield, Wildwood and nearby.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your eye doctor about your own eyes.

Common questions

Will my nearsightedness get worse?

It can change, which is why regular exams matter. Your doctor will advise you.

Can I wear contact lenses?

Many people can. A contact lens exam checks fit and eye health.

Can I get my glasses the same day?

Often, yes. Our on-site lab can make many glasses in about an hour.