Pleasant Surprises: Ricky Gervais' Derek | – Unreality




derek-dvd

This is the first of what I hope will be a recurring column about things I thought I was going to hate but then ended up really liking. Remy’s got “Why Haven’t You Seen It,” Lee has “Are You Watching/Reading This,” and what can I say? I want in on this gravy train of ready-made themes to draw upon when I’m trying to hit my deadline on Tuesday nights.

In spite of my borderline insane obsession with video games, I love checking out new television as much as the next pop culture nerd, especially if it hails from the UK. That probably has something to do with my steady diet of Blackadder, Are You Being Served? and  Monty Python’s Flying Circus as a kid, not to mention the Doctor Who marathons I had at my grandma’s house.

Yeah, I was a Whovian before it was cool. Pardon me while I adjust my hipster glasses that I also need to correct my nearsightedness.

v2-Derek.Ricky-Gervais

I struggle a bit with Ricky Gervais. I sometimes feel like he and his David Brent character are actually not too far off from each other (though that’s probably due to me not giving Gervais enough credit as an actor, but more on that later) and he certainly doesn’t shy away from producing comedy that can be considered offensive by a great many people.

Like Seth MacFarlane, Ricky Gervais is kind of a dude I hate to like. Okay, dislike to like. I don’t really hate anyone in this weird world.

But whenever you see Ricky Gervais on a talk show or anywhere else he gets to just be himself, he’s invariably cracking up, and genuinely so. Genuine laughter is pretty much my kryptonite, as I seem to find it even more infectious than the average person. Gervais seems like he just loves to laugh, and never really gives the impression that he needs to be the funniest guy in the room.

In a world where performance and comedy can be so competitive, I find that refreshing. I dig that he doesn’t take himself too seriously, and every time I see him losing it on a talk show he rises in my esteem a bit. There’s also this little gem:

Whatever, I would. I would so hard.

So it was with a mixture of trepidation and excitement that I added Derek to my Netflix queue—sorry, my list. A synopsis:

Gervais plays 49-year-old Derek Noakes, a care worker in a home for the elderly who has worked there for three years. He likes watching reality television shows and game shows and is interested in celebrities, fame, YouTube, and above all, talking about animals. He is kind, helpful, and selfless, with good intentions. He is vulnerable because of his childlike naivety and lack of intelligence. He is ridiculed and ostracised, as well as being marginalised by mainstream society because of his social awkwardness, unattractiveness, and lack of inhibitions. Derek says it is more important to be kind than to be clever or good-looking. Many media sources describe him as autistic, although Gervais himself has always stated that Derek is not mentally disabled. (Via Wikipedia)

PS. Netflix: you make it okay to say “queue” on the regular only to rip the term away from us later? You’re breaking an Anglophile’s heart over here.

When I heard Gervais was going to be playing a mentally disabled (maybe) character who worked in a retirement home, I prepared for the worst. But then my husband and I watched the first episode one night while eating dinner, and we both were weeping into our linguine bolognese even before we could add the requisite a-fresh a-pepper.

derek-dougie

I’m going to avoid spoilers, so I won’t get too deep into an analysis, but I would highly recommend you at least try the first episode of Derek on for size. While the series is not without its faults—it deals openly in cliches (though they’re satisfying), and the soundtrack is particularly emotionally manipulative (though it works)—it does manage to inject a lot of heart into what is sometimes an overly cynical world. Gervais gives an absolutely, no question, all bets off fantastic performance, especially in the first episode. Fair warning: that first one is a bit of a cryfest, but subsequent episodes don’t skimp at all on the comedy.

Also worth noting are Karl Pilkington as the caretaker Dougie (in a role written especially for him), and Kerry Godliman as Derek’s coworker at the facility, Hannah. In fact, despite being told over and over again that Derek is the heart and soul of the show (another of the show’s weaknesses—we get it, show; we’re watching you), I would argue that Dougie and Hannah are the characters that truly fill those roles.

Derek’s naivete leads to grandiose gestures of kindness, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, but watching Hannah and Dougie struggle with all-too real and hard-hitting adversity and still find the strength to be kind is a sight to behold. It’s also a reminder that within all of us is the power of altruistic compassion.

“Kindness is magic. It’s more important to be kind than clever or good looking.”

Elephant Eyes | Bellevue LASIK & Cornea

Elephant Eyes

In honor of National Elephant Appreciation Day on September 22, here are some facts about elephant eyes.

  • Their eyes are very small, only about 1.5” in diameter.
  • The location of their eyes on the side of their heads allows for peripheral vision but not depth perception; the trunk creates a large blind spot in their vision.
  • They have three eyelids: an upper, lower and one that moves vertically for more protection.
  • Their long eyelashes keep foreign matter out of their eyes.
  • They have the same visual pigments as humans with red/green color-blindness.
  • Their range of vision is only about 30 feet – some people might say that elephants are nearsighted!

Because of their poor vision, elephants use their sensitive trunks to navigate. Their poor vision does not hinder their ability to orient themselves, and that’s a good thing since vision correction surgery just isn’t performed on elephants!

It is, however, performed on millions of Americans every year. At Bellevue LASIK & Cornea, we’ve performed thousands LASIK vision correction surgeries to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. LASIK in Bellevue is considered to be one of the safest medical procedures when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr. Leavitt. Of course, there are risks with any type of surgical procedure, so it’s always advisable to get all of the facts about LASIK before you decide to pursue this popular procedure.

One way to get the facts is by scheduling a free LASIK Consultation at Bellevue LASIK & Cornea. You can find out if your eyes have the right characteristics for LASIK and you can get all of your questions about LASIK answered.

So don’t forget to take a minute to appreciate elephants on September 22 (an elephant wouldn’t forget). And, if you’re stuck wearing glasses or contacts, contact us today to schedule your free LASIK Consultation at bellevue-lasik.com or 425-450-6990.

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How to read a prescription and find the contact lenses you need online

The purpose with this post is to enable contact lens users to understand prescriptions and use this knowledge to easily locate and buy the same or equivalent contact lenses online that was originally fitted by the optician.

A way to easily locate the correct type and make of contact lenses suitable to your eyes, is to use the sample lenses (trials supplied by your optician). With the original lens containers and/or packaging available, you can compare measurements such as:

  • Material (e.g Etafilcon A)
  • Water content (e.g. “55%”)
  • Power (SPH)
  • Base curve (BC)
  • Diameter (DIA)
  • Cylinder (CYL)
  • Addition (ADD)
  • Axis

Use the search field on Visiondirect.co.uk and type the material name (e.g. “nelfilcon A“) to perform an effective search. If you find several products, narrow down your search by comparing the remaining parameters.

Find your contactsby reading your contact lens prescription (the paperwork supplied by your optician). Contact lens prescriptions differ from spectacles prescriptions in the following ways:

  • If BC (base curve) and DIA (diameter) are missing, then you can be fairly certain that you are looking at a glasses prescription.
  • If your optician failed to mention that you need corrective toric lenses forastigmatism*, but you still see the values CYL (cylinder) and AXIS (measurement in degrees) printed on your paperwork, there is a risk you are looking at a spectacles prescription. When you do need toric contact lenses, the make of lens, SPH, BC and DIA are normally supplied in addition.
  • The manufacturer, make and type of your contact lenses should normally be stated on the contact lens prescription (however, since some opticians do not take the time to make a note, this is not always the case.)
  • SPH or SPHERE is a measurement for the primary power or strength needed. For myopia (nearsightedness) the value is negative (-) and for hyperopia (farsightedness) the value supplied is positive (+).
  • ADD is an additional power and refers to presbyopic patients; one power (SPH) to correct nearsightedness and another power (ADD) to correct farsightedness. This is normally corrected by using varifocal (bifocal or multifocal) contact lenses orspectacles.

Eye Health and Nearsightedness – BriefingWire.com

Nearsightedness — or myopia — affects a significant number of people. But this eye disorder is easily corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery.

People with myopia or nearsightedness have difficulty seeing distant objects, but can clearly see objects that are near. For example, a person who is nearsighted may not be able to make out highway signs until they are just a few feet away.

What Causes Nearsightedness?

People who are nearsighted have what is called a refractive error. In nearsighted people, the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, so the light entering the eye is not focused correctly. Images focus in front of the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye, rather than directly on the retina, causing blurred vision.

Nearsightedness runs in families and usually appears in childhood. Usually the condition plateaus, but it can worsen with age.

What Are the Symptoms of Nearsightedness?

People who are nearsighted often complain of headaches, eyestrain, squinting, or fatigue when driving, playing sports, or looking more than a few feet away. Children commonly complain of not being able to see the board at school.

How Is Nearsightedness Diagnosed?

Nearsightedness can be easily diagnosed using standard eye exams given by an eye doctor.

How Is Nearsightedness Treated?

Glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery can correct nearsightedness. With myopia, your prescription for glasses or contact lenses is a negative number, such as -3.00. The higher the number, the stronger your lenses will be. The prescription helps the eye focus light on the retina, clearing up the vision.

Refractive surgery can reduce or even eliminate your dependence on glasses or contact lenses. The most common procedures for nearsightedness include:

Photorefractive keratectomy. Also called PRK, this surgery employs a laser to remove a layer of corneal tissue. That flattens the cornea and allows light rays to focus closer to or even on the retina.

Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. This surgery is commonly called LASIK. The surgeon uses a laser to cut a flap through the top of the cornea. Then a laser removes some corneal tissue, and the flap is dropped back into place. LASIK is the most common surgery used to correct nearsightedness.

Corneal rings. If you have an eye problem called keratoconus, your eye doctor can implant plastic rings, called Intacs, into your eye to help nearsightedness. With keratoconus, the cornea (clear tissue that covers the front of the eye) is misshapen. Intacs alter the shape of the cornea. One advantage of the rings is that they may be left in place permanently, may be removed in case of a problem, or be adjusted should a prescription change be necessary.

Dr. Michael Bold OD INC. – La Palma

5422 La Palma Ave La Palma CA 90623

714-995-1144

www.drbold.com

What Are My Options to Correct My Need for Reading Glasses …

Presbyopia is an age-related condition that results in the gradual loss of the ability to change the eye’s focus from distance to near. Most patients experience presbyopia around the age of 40-45, when near vision becomes more challenging. Most of us are familiar with the reading glasses that are available at supermarkets and pharmacies — these glasses are useful and provide focusing power that replaces the gradual loss of the eye’s natural focusing power.

Presbyopia is believed to be due to a progressive loss of elasticity of the lens inside the eye.  Focusing, otherwise known as accommodation, is accomplished by the use of small muscles inside the eye called ciliary muscles. These muscles, when contracting, are believed to reduce the tension on tiny fibers inside the eye. Because these fibers suspend the lens, with reduced tension, the lens can change its shape when the ciliary muscles contract. As the eye’s natural lens loses its elasticity throughout one’s lifetime, the ability to focus at near distances decreases. Eventually, the natural lens hardens and yellows to the point where by age 75-85, most patients have developed a cataract.

Patients who are naturally nearsighted (eyeglass prescription begins with a minus sign) typically see more clearly at near than at distance. For this reason, some nearsighted patients adapt to presbyopia by simply removing their distance glasses. This does not work for all prescriptions, as without glasses, patients with large nearsighted corrections require that the reading material be held very closely to the eye, while smaller nearsighted corrections may not provide enough effect to overcome presbyopia and reading material may still remain blurry. Astigmatic patients often experience blurry vision at both distance and near, and farsighted patients (eyeglass prescription begins with a plus sign) typically will have worse near vision than distance vision.Presbyopia Treatment at King LASIK

So, what are the options to correct presbyopia? 

The first and obvious option is the use of reading glasses or bifocals. However, most people find this option to be less desirable due to the intrusive nature of these appliances on one’s lifestyle and convenience. Many patients do not like the cosmetic appearance of bifocals, or the inconvenience of needing to locate a pair of reading glasses when reading a menu or cell phone screen.

Bifocal contacts lenses are an option, but these lenses can be difficult to fit, and adapting to these lenses is difficult for many patients due to decreased contrast in vision and difficulties in fitting the lenses. Many, if not most, patients experience a gradual reduction in tear production throughout life. This effect is particularly apparent for women around the age of menopause when the tear production begins to decrease more rapidly. Dryness of the eyes can be a reason why many patients become intolerant of contact lenses, leading many patients to seek alternatives such as laser vision correction.

Laser Vision Correction

Laser vision correction procedures are probably the most commonly selected surgical method to address blurry vision. These procedures are extremely effective in correcting refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. They do not restore the natural elasticity of the lens in the eye, however, and cannot reverse the effects of aging. As a result, some patients who are older than age 40 will require reading glasses to see up close after LASIK or PRK (just as they would require reading glasses worn over their distance contact lenses prior to laser vision correction).

Options to address presbyopia with LASIK or PRK include a presbyopic correction, or monovision. Typically, one of two techniques is used: a multifocal corneal ablation to create a variable power in the cornea, similar to a multifocal contact lens; or, the treatment is adjusted to the non-dominant eye to leave the eye slightly nearsighted, thus providing additional help for seeing at focal points close up. These methods have been used successfully for many patients. However, as with any procedure, results may vary from person to person. Adaptation can be slow or difficult for some people. Patients who require excellent stereovision or depth perception may not be the best candidates for this procedure. A consultation with the staff at King LASIK can help you to assess if these options are suitable for you.

Corneal Inlays

Corneal inlays are a newer option for the correction of presbyopia. In the United States, there are at least two corneal inlays that are undergoing investigations with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The idea is that implantation of a small disc in the cornea, under a laser-made corneal flap, can create a pinhole effect to increase the range of vision or depth of field. A pinhole can be used to partially (and approximately) correct nearsightedness because many of the peripherally scattered rays that are outside the pinhole are blocked. Many people who are nearsighted have noticed that squinting can improve the vision temporarily — this is an example of a pinhole effect. Like squinting, however, the use of corneal inlays will limit the number of rays that reach the fovea, and this may limit the patient’s perception of visual clarity, similar to how most patients would prefer their clear vision with glasses or contacts versus the clearer vision that is experienced when looking through a pinhole or with squinting.

The Kamra inlay (from AcuFocus) and the PresbyLens (from Revision optics) are two examples of corneal inlays that are undergoing investigation at this time. Previous versions of corneal inlays have not had great success due to biocompatibility issues, perhaps related to the thickness of the inlays and the depth of implantation. Corneal clouding, thinning and melting have been reported with the implantation of previous inlays, and this is probably due to the blockage by the inlay of the flow and diffusion of oxygen and nutrients through the cornea.

The Kamra inlay is made of opaque polyvinylidene fluoride and it has a 3.8 mm outer diameter and a 1.6 mm central hole or aperture. These inlays are 5 microns thick and they have thousands of small holes or perforations, which are designed to allow diffusion of nutrients through the cornea. These inlays are typically implanted in the patient’s non-dominant eye and the pinhole effect can be used to improve a patient’s depth of field. The small hole in the center of the inlay allows for a pinhole effect to partially correct the distance vision. Typically, these inlays are placed at a depth of 200 microns beneath the corneal surface. A femtosecond laser such as the Intralase IFS laser is used to create a pocket or flap for the placement of the corneal inlay. The inlay implant can be removed if patients do not like the visual outcome; however, this does require an additional procedure. Patients who wear glasses for distance will usually have LASIK performed for distance with implantation of the inlay implant following distance correction. Typically, LASIK is performed first, and the non-dominant eye correction is adjusted to provide a nearsighted correction to aid with near vision. The inlay is thought to provide a pinhole effect to aid the distance vision. However, in comparison, the use of the excimer laser alone, without the use (or expense) of the inlay is generally a very satisfactory outcome for many patients. Planning to leave the patient’s non-dominant eye at -0.75 D can provide some help with reading, even without the use of a corneal inlay. Prior to undergoing laser vision correction, the doctors at King LASIK can demonstrate monovision as a treatment for presbyopia, and we will help you evaluate which options are best for you.

The PresbyLens (also known as Vue+) is made by Revision Optics and this is also undergoing investigational trials at this time. This hydrogel lens has a 2mm diameter and it adds plus power to the central cornea, designed to help with one’s near vision. Like the Kamra inlay, it is placed in the non-dominant eye under a laser-made corneal flap which then covers the inlay.

Clear Lens Extraction

Another possible option for the correction of presbyopia is the complete removal of the eye’s natural lens, otherwise known as a clear lens extraction, followed by implantation of an intraocular lens. For patients in the pre-presbyopic age range (under age 45), this option is usually not preferred because removal of the eye’s natural lens means complete loss of accommodation. When the lens in the eye is removed, an intraocular lens is almost always placed.

For presbyopic patients who undergo cataract surgery, there are multiple options for intraocular lens implantation, ranging from a monofocal lens where clear distance vision is usually planned, to various multifocal lenses such as the Tecnis Multifocal, Restor lens or Crystalens. Each of these lenses has pros and cons; further information about them can be found elsewhere on our website and on the Internet. If you have cataracts, cataract surgery followed by implantation of either a monofocal or multifocal/accommodating lens can be a good option to reduce your dependence on reading glasses. However, some patients would prefer to have the clearest distance vision, and for that reason, they may select a monofocal lens with the use of reading glasses for near. A discussion with your cataract surgeon will help you to select the best lens for your needs. Removal of the eye’s natural lens is not the first choice for correcting vision and it is generally reserved for patients who are developing cataracts. Intraocular surgery has risks including intraocular infection and retinal detachment, and for this reason, we generally do not advise that patients undergo cataract or lens based surgery until they are developing cataracts.

Schedule a Consultation at King LASIK

There are multiple options for correcting presbyopia and there are other ideas in development. While these techniques may not restore the focusing power of the eye to that of a teenager, they may be of great help in reducing the need for reading glasses. When you come for your consultation at King LASIK, we will help you determine which vision correction options are best for you. Our goal is to help you to achieve your visual goals so that you may enjoy your lifestyle and everyday activities with the clearest vision possible.

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20/20 AND BEYOND: Kids! Get outdoors and get rid of glasses!

There has been additional evidence that the more time children spend outside the better chance they have to stay out of glasses.  Majority of school age children need to wear glasses to correct nearsightedness or myopia.  Myopia gets worse during the teenage growth spurt.  It is imperative for elementary school children to have at least an hour of outdoor playtime.  A review of scientific literature found a significant protective association between increasing time
spent outdoors and prevalent myopia in nearly 10 000 children and
adolescents aged ≤20 years.  Each increase in hours per week of time
spent outdoors was associated with a 2% reduced odds of myopia (nearsightedness).  An increase in 7 hours of time spent outdoors per week (1
hr/d) equates to less nearsightedness.

 There are a myriad of possible mechanisms by which spending time
outdoors may protect against the development and progression of myopia (nearsightedness).
They include increased release of retinal dopamine in response to
sunlight (dopamine inhibits axial elongation in experimental myopia,and the protective effect can be blocked by the dopamine antagonist spiperone), increased light intensity outdoors
(leading to pupil constriction, increasing depth of focus, decreasing
blur, and slowing of eye growth), and the low accommodative demand (focusing) for
distance vision.
 

Bright light has been shown to be protective of myopia in animal experiments using ultraviolet-free light.  Based on that evidence, one might support an old myth not to read in poorly lit rooms.  More focusing power is required to read in poorly lit rooms and it is the focusing muscle (ciliary body) if placed in overdrive will lead to development of nearsightedness.

Because there is no protective association between indoor sports and myopia,
unlike outdoor sports, it suggests that physical activity may be a
surrogate for outdoor activity. This is supported by a cohort study with
2 years of follow-up in 156 university students where physical activity
time was higher in nonmyopes and associated with hyperopic refraction
(0.175 D per hour of physical activity per day; P = 0.015) after
adjustment for potential confounders, although there were no differences
in objectively measured physical fitness levels between myopes and
nonmyopes (P = 0.321).

Get your kids outside and take advantage of the great summer weather!  Just don’t forget the sunglasses!

Health and Fitness Talk – Is Laser Eye Surgery Right For You?

by Kimberly Allen, RN

In recent years there have been significant advances in many areas in the field of medicine including new techniques for treating vision problems.  New techniques have been developed allowing the surgeon to reshape your cornea.  It’s called laser surgery.  there are a variety of techniques the surgeon can use depending on your specific needs.  The most commonly used technique used today is called LASIK, which stands for laser in situ keratomileusis.  LASIK surgery can be used to improve different types of vision problem’s including nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.  During the surgery, the surgeon creates a flap in your cornea, he/she will then use a special laser to reshape your cornea correcting your vision problem.lasik

Since the development of this procedure in the mid 90′s approximately 18 million Americans have had LASIK surgery to repair their vision allowing them to toss their glasses and contacts.  But, is laser eye surgery right for you?  Although LASIK surgery has a 90% success rate with patients being satisfied with the results that’s not always the case.  There are many things that you need to consider.  One being that changes made to the cornea during laser eye surgery can not be reversed.  Following that, there are numerous other considerations including cost.  Laser surgery is considered an elective procedure therefore many insurance companies won’t cover the cost.  Then you need to remember laser surgery is still surgery and as with any surgery there are risks.  Also, although millions of people have had laser eye surgery including some famous athletes like Tiger Woods and numerous baseball players most of which were successful, there are always going to be some that are not.  Most people also expect to have perfect 20/20 vision after the procedure, however in many cases that is not the case.  Most people with laser eye surgery will have somewhere between 20/20 and 20/40 vision.  Even when people do get 20/20 vision that doesn’t necessarily mean they have perfect vision.  There could be some degree of impairment in detailed and precise vision.  Most people that have laser eye surgery will still need those dreaded reading glasses when they get into their mid 40′s.  The loss of the ability to focus from distant to close for reading related to the aging process is called presbyopia and laser surgery can not prevent nor repair age related vision loss.  Also some people that have laser eye surgery to correct nearsightedness may need reading glasses sooner than if they had not had the surgery.  Another thing you may not realize is that the benefits of laser eye surgery can diminish over time.  In fact over 10% of people in the US that have had laser eye surgery need a second surgery to return their vision to the desired correction.  This is called retreatment.

Laser eye surgery also has it’s benefits.  For one thing it has a 90% success rate.  Which boils down to 90% of those that have laser eye surgery receive their desired vision without the use of contacts or glasses.  In fact, the improvement in vision in most cases is seen with in the first 24 hours, sometimes it’s almost immediate.  There is also no pain associated with laser eye surgery and no bandages to change and no stitches to heal or dissolve after surgery.

So who is a good candidate and who isn’t for laser eye surgery?  One of the first things your doctor will consider is age.  You need to be at least 18 years of age and in some cases 21 years of age depending on the type of laser treatment you are looking for.  The reason for this is your vision continues to change until the age of 18.  If you are pregnant or nursing, your doctor will recommend waiting as these conditions can alter the refraction of your eyes.  People taking certain medications like oral prednisone should not have laser eye surgery.  Your overall health is also a very important issue.  People that have impaired immune systems as well as those that suffer from autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are not good candidates.  Eye health is important as well.  for example if you have had problems with dry eyes before having laser surgery it could have an effect on your surgery as well as after surgery.  Also, most doctors will not do the surgery until your vision is stable.

So if you are considering laser eye surgery some of the things you want to ask yourself and discuss with your doctor are first of all what are your expectations?  Are they unrealistic?  Carefully consider the risks vs rewards.  If you’re active in sports or work in certain types of jobs laser eye surgery may not be your best option.  In the end if it really doesn’t bother you or interfere with your lifestyle laser eye surgery is an elective procedure you may want to pass on.

Kimberly Allen is a registered nurse with an AND in nursing. She has worked in ACF, LCF and psychiatric facilities, although she spent most of her career as a home health expert. She is now a regular contributor to HealthAndFitnessTalk.com, dispensing advice and knowledge about medical issues and questions. You can reach her with any comments or questions at  mussatti3@gmail.com.

Follow the discussion about Is Laser Eye Surgery Right For You?.

What is Myopia? | Dr. Tavel Blog

Back in kindergarten, I remember squinting and craning my neck to try and see the pictures during story time. No matter how hard I tried, I could not sort out the colorful illustrations. It did not take long to determine that I needed glasses. Turns out, the cause was myopia, which is just a fancy term for nearsightedness.

According to the American Optometric Association, myopia or nearsightedness is a visual condition where close objects are seen clearly, but objects farther away appear blurred. This condition affects close to 30 percent of the U.S. population.205032

The first and most important step toward correction is to contact your local optometrist and schedule an eye exam. Your doctor can help prevent vision from getting worse, correct the condition, and identify any other health issues related to visual symptoms. Then, glasses or contacts can be prescribed to help alleviate blurry vision and enhance clear site. Nearsightedness and farsightedness are two of the most common eye conditions that warrant a prescription for glasses.

Alternate actions to correct myopia include laser procedures and refractive therapy. Laser procedures can help correct adult cases of nearsightedness. This procedure reshapes the cornea allowing for clearer vision. Refractive therapy is a non-surgical process that requires a series of rigid contact lenses to gradually reform the cornea.

Myopia is very common  and can be easily alleviated with a quick eye exam. Visit a local Dr. Tavel location if you or a family member notices blurry vision.